Stock photo of Vernon from Becker Park (Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Snow Water Equivalent Data

Snowpack levels improve in Okanagan, but still below average

Feb 2, 2024 | 1:15 PM

The snowpack in the Okanagan has improved thanks to some precipitation in the first month of the year, but still remains below average.

Data from the B.C. River Forecast Centre showed the average Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) in the Okanagan was 76 per cent of the average as of February 1, 2024.

The frigid temperatures and precipitation in January brought the SWE up to a high of 83 per cent of average on Jan. 22, and while the snowpack has dwindled since then, the most recent rate was still above the 74 per cent SWE recorded in the Okanagan on Jan. 1.

In the North Okanagan, Silver Star Mountain’s snow pack was recorded at 80 per cent of normal on Feb. 1, which was the highest percentile recorded for the mountain this winter.

The Stikine basin was the only one in B.C. with an above average SWE as of Feb. 1, which was reported at 124 per cent.

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The Okanagan had the sixth highest SWE rate in the province on Feb. 1 after Stikine, South Thompson (85 per cent) Skeena-Nass (80%), Upper Fraser West (79%), and Nechako (78%).

The River Forecast Centre recorded the provincial SWE at 67 per cent of normal on Feb. 1, which was the highest rate recorded this winter.

These rates are not the official snow basin figure. The centre will be releasing a more detailed report on snowpacks and water supply Thursday, Feb. 8.