By James Peters

Below-normal snowpack across B.C. raises drought fears

Apr 8, 2019 | 2:21 PM

KAMLOOPS — A dry March has pushed snowpack levels across B.C. below normal.

According to April 1 measurements released Monday (Apr. 8) by the B.C. River Forecast Centre, the provincial average snowpack is 79 per cent of normal.

Every region in the province presents a below-normal reading, though the Northwest, Stikine and Skagit regions are the most extreme.

In the Central and Southern Interior, the South Thompson reports in at 75 per cent of normal snowpack, while the North Thompson measures at 89 per cent.

The Nicola basin is at 66 per cent of normal.

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The Middle Fraser, a large region that stretches from north of Quesnel to southwest of Kamloops, averages at 85 per cent.

The Forecast Centre says snow accumulation typically reaches maximum levels for the season around mid-April, so this report provides a good snapshot of the snow that will drive streamflows for the spring freshet.

The province notes Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a likelihood of above-normal spring temperatures for the next three months across B.C.

It notes the spring freshet is on track to take place early this year, and “the next 2-4 weeks may be the critical window for freshet for medium-sized and mid-elevation rivers across the province.”

View the full report here: