Minimal snowmelt in north and south Thompson basins, no data recorded for the Lower Thompson

Although the seasonal snowmelt across British Columbia slowed through mid-May, the snowpack is still well below normal for the middle of May.

The May 15 Snow Bulletin provides a mid-month update on seasonal snowmelt and typically shows if snowmelt is earlier than normal, delayed or melting at seasonal rates.

According to the BC River Forecast Centre, on average, about 21% of the annual snowpack melts by mid-May.

However, as of May 15 this year, all the automated snow weather stations show that 36% of the seasonal snowpack has already melted due to warmer than normal temperatures in April.

The snowmelt slowed in the first two weeks of May due to seasonal to slightly below seasonal temperatures across the province. Some stations accumulated snow around May 17 and 19.

That means there is no elevated flood hazard unless extreme rainfall happens.

These weather conditions resulted in provincial snow measurements averaging at 61% of normal levels. Last year, the average was 57% of normal.

There was insufficient data to calculate the amount of snow in the Lower Thompson basin, which included Kamloops and Merritt, for May 15.

Data from May 1 showed 0% of snowpack was left, which was a significant drop from the 83% recorded at the beginning of April.

As of May 15, the North Thompson basin is sitting at 78% of normal, which is only down slightly from the 84% at the start of the month.

Meanwhile, the South Thompson is sitting at 69%, which is down three points from early May.

The seasonal weather outlook is calling for a wetter May in Northern BC and drier conditions in the southern part of the province.

Drier than normal conditions are expected to linger into the summer for southern BC, the bulletin said.

“The current low provincial low snowpack, persistence of drought impacts from previous seasons, and upcoming seasonal weather outlook are all significant factors for province-wide concern for drought hazard this summer,” the snow bulletin said.

However, spring conditions will continue to play an important role in summer drought conditions.

There are only two more snow bulletins to be released for 2025. They are expected to be released on June 9 or 10, and June 19 or 20.

^{Thumbnail photo credit: TNRD file picture}