By Jill Sperling

River levels raise concern for summer drought possibilities

Jun 23, 2016 | 2:57 PM

KAMLOOPS — With a much warmer than average start to Spring this year snowpacks were diminished much quicker than normal.

Snowpacks across the province were at 13 percent of normal mid-month, which means the prevention of drought conditions will be highly dependent on precipitation over the summer.

The outlook isn’t quite as bleak within the North and South Thompson watersheds.

According to Dave Campbell of the River Forecast Centre the North Thompson River was at 33 percent normal and the South Thompson at 43 percent.

“Those are actually the highest levels in the province, mostly reflecting that the measurements that are taken in those two basins are a bit higher elevation than some other parts in the province. Throughout the season it has popped out as being a place that looks like it is in better shape,” explained Campbell.

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The BC Wildfire Service warns the next week or two will see rapid drying across the province.

People are encouraged to be extra cautious with their fires over the long weekend.

Eric Meyer of B.C.’s wildfire service says fire activity has been especially strong in the province’s northeast because of a lack of rain, which has allowed flames to spread quickly.

Meyer says he expects the province to quickly become even more parched as rains dry up in coming weeks and a forecast of warmer-than-normal summer.

— With files from The Canadian Press