Snowpack levels around Kamloops dipped after a dry January

A dry January saw snowpack numbers across the province dip lightly, including in the Kamloops area.

According to the Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin, which used data collected on Feb. 1, the provincial snowpack is below normal, averaging 72% of normal (28% below normal), which is down from 87% recorded on Jan. 1.

On Jan. 1, the North and South Thompson basins were 100% while the Lower Thompson sub-basin was at 133%.

As of Feb. 1, the North Thompson is at 83%, the South Thompson is at 78% and the Lower Thompson has dropped significantly down to 42%.

Weather during the first week of February was generally colder than normal and marked a quick return to drier conditions and those conditions are expected to continue for a few more days.

Snow accumulation was "extremely low” throughout January due to prolonged dry weather conditions with nearly 50% of automated snow weather stations (ASWS) recording below normal conditions at the start of January.

That number increased to 75% of ASWS recording below normal levels.

“Seasonal weather forecasts in late January by Environment And Climate Change Canada indicate a greater likelihood of below normal temperatures for BC from February through April 2025, except in the most northeast portion of the province which did not display a forecast trend,” the snow survey said.

“Precipitation, which is more difficult than temperature to predict at a seasonal scale, is showing a greater likelihood of above normal precipitation for February through April 2025 for the South Interior and below normal precipitation along the North Coast.”

By February, about two-thirds of the annual BC snowpack accumulates.

However, there are two or more months left for snow accumulation so seasonal snowpacks can still change significantly based on weather patterns for the rest of the season.

The survey said that if La Niña conditions persist, areas with near normal snowpack levels could see a high risk for spring flooding.

The new snow survey is scheduled to be released on Mar. 10 or 11.