File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Aaron Schulze

SNOWPACK CONDITIONS

B.C.’s average snowpack the lowest in more than 50 years

Apr 10, 2024 | 9:35 AM

VICTORIA — B.C.’s average snowpack for this time of year is at its lowest level in more than 50 years.

According to numbers from April 1 from the B.C. River Forecast Centre’s (BCRFC) Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin released Wednesday (April 9), the provincial snowpack is extremely low, averaging 63 per cent of normal for this time of year. The BCRFC says the previous low April 1 snowpack levels since 1970 were 65 per cent in 2015, 68 per cent in 1981, 70 per cent in 1977, 72 per cent in 1993 and 72 per cent in 2005.

The provincial snowpack at this time last year was 88 per cent normal.

The North and South Thompson basins are both below normal snowpack for this time of year, sitting at 71 and 79 per cent respectively, down from 76 and 90 in March. The Middle Fraser is at 57 per cent normal while the Lower Fraser is at 63 per cent.

“Low snowpack and seasonal runoff forecasts combined with warm seasonal weather forecasts and lingering impacts from on-going drought are creating significantly elevated drought hazards for this upcoming spring and summer,” the BCRFC states.

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With approximately two to four weeks left for possible snow accumulation, the BCRFC says snowpack levels and the seasonal flood and drought outlook are unlikely to change substantially. Due to an increased chance of warmer seasonal temperatures, the below-normal snowpack could result in one of the earliest snowmelt seasons on record in B.C.

While a lower-than-normal spring freshet flood hazard is expected due to the lower snowpack, the BCRFC says local flooding due to extreme rainfall is possible.

Image credit: BC River Forecast Centre

A media availability regarding the latest snowpack numbers will be held Wednesday. Another snow conditions and water supply bulletin is due May 9.