Little to no change in snowpack levels around Kamloops

The latest snowpack data for BC shows that a below normal snowpack year is becoming increasingly likely and drought concerns have increased in some areas.

Data collected on Mar. 1 shows that the provincial average is sitting at 73% of normal, or 27% below normal.

That is actually up slightly from the 72% recorded at the start of February.

According to the Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin, basins in the Kamloops area haven’t changed much since February.

As of Feb. 1, the North Thompson is at 78%, which is down from 83% last month and the South Thompson is still at 78%.

Meanwhile, the Lower Thompson has actually increased significantly from 42% in February to 87% this month.

“Due to low snow conditions, below normal freshet flood hazard is expected this season,” the bulletin said.

“Low snowpack and seasonal runoff forecasts combined with warm seasonal weather forecasts and lingering impacts from on-going drought are pointing towards elevated drought hazards for this upcoming spring and summer.”

The bulletin said that February saw below normal temperatures and precipitation.

Weather during the first week of March saw slightly above normal temperatures and dry conditions.

Areas with below normal snowpacks show early concerns for drought conditions amplifying in the spring and summer, however, seasonal runoff levels are expected to be near normal for the Kamloops area.

“Seasonal volume runoff forecasts are near normal (80%-105% of normal) for the Upper Fraser, Quesnel River, North Thompson River, South Thompson River, Thompson River, Skeena River and Cowichan Lake,” the bulletin noted.

With below normal snowpack across most regions of the province, seasonal flood hazards are expected to be reduced this season.

Exceptions include the Liard, Lower Thompson, the Northwest and Boundary basins.

However, with four to eight weeks left for snow accumulation, conditions can still change.

The next Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin is scheduled to be released on April 9 or 10.