Warm May triggering earlier, more severe snowmelt: B.C. River Forecast Centre

Snowpack for the Middle Fraser basin is at 80 per cent normal as of May 1, down from 92 per cent as of April 1. The Lower Thompson sub-basin sits at zero per cent normal as of May 1, down from 51 per cent as of April 1. The Lower Thompson also careened to zero on May 1, 2025.

(Image Credit: B.C. River Forecast Centre)

The Lower Fraser is also lower at 59 per cent normal as of May 1, down from 75 per cent of normal as of April 1.

Overall, the provincial snowpack is at 83 per cent normal as of May 1, down from 92 per cent of normal as of April 1. However, it’s up from 71 per cent as of the same month in 2025.

As of May 7, the BCRFC says 28 per cent of the province’s measured snowpack has melted. Typically, six per cent of B.C.’s annual snowpack melts by early May. The forecast centre says a strong ridge of high-pressure caused a rapid melt of provincial snowpack during the first week of May.

“Although the snowpack is below normal for the entire province, there are areas in the province with above normal snowpack levels, which carry a higher potential snowmelt-related flood hazard,” the BCRFC states. “There are concerns for drought this season throughout many areas of the province due to long-term precipitation deficits, low snowpack, early snowmelt and seasonal weather forecasts. Spring weather will continue to play an important role in summer drought concerns.”

The BCRFC notes while some higher elevated regions maintain near or above normal snowpack, the basin averages may partially mask low snow conditions in populated valley-bottom areas.

According to the BCRFC, seasonal outlooks from Environment Canada indicate an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures across much of B.C. from May to July.

Another snow bulletin is scheduled to be released between May 20 and 25.

by Aaron Schulze

Warm May triggering earlier, more severe snowmelt: B.C. River Forecast Centre

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