By Pete McIntyre

Okanagan snowpack at 129 per cent of normal

Feb 7, 2020 | 4:45 PM

There are early indications of spring flooding in B.C. after the latest snowpack readings.

The overall provincial average has gone from 84 per cent to 110 per cent in the last month.

The Okanagan has one of the highest levels at 129 per cent of normal.

“For snow-melt dominated rivers in the interior of the province, the likelihood of spring flooding increases with high snowpacks; this is most pronounced when snow basin index values approach or exceed 120 per cent. This does not mean that spring flooding will occur, rather the chances of flooding are increased,” said the River Forecast Centre’s Feb. 1 report.

The centre says seasonal flood risk is emerging in the Upper Fraser West, North Thompson, South Thompson, West Kootenay, Okanagan and Boundary with the increased snowpack levels.

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Snow basin indices for Feb. 1 range from a low of 87 per cent of normal in the Skeena-Nass to a high of 134 per cent in the Skagit (Table 1 and Figure 1).

“While snowpack is one risk factor for freshet flooding, spring weather is also a critical factor in whether flooding occurs or not. Heavy rainfall during the snowmelt period has been a key driver in spring flooding in B.C., and can cause flooding irrespective of snowpack levels,” the report added.

For more on the report, click here.

The centre will update the seasonal flood risk forecast on March 9.

by Pete McIntyre

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