Stock photo courtesy of the RDNO

By Liam Verster

below normal

Snowpack remains significantly low in the Okanagan and B.C.

May 9, 2024 | 11:40 AM

Snowpack levels in the Okanagan — and the province — remain extremely low.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre said, as of May 1, the snowpack in the Okanagan was 60 per cent of normal, and the provincial snowpack average was 66 per cent of normal.

The local basin’s snowpack was down from the 73 per cent on April 1.

Though the provincial level had increased from 63 per cent the month prior, the rate this month was down significantly from the 91 per cent rate in May of 2023.

The centre said the province saw temperatures around normal levels in April, though the precipitation levels were below normal for most of B.C.

B.C. Supreme Court

Crown calls for 7-9 year prison term for Vernon 'wine bottle' manslaughter

May 17, 2024

Stage 1 Restrictions

Greater Vernon preparing for drought, water restrictions to be increased 'as necessary'

May 17, 2024

How much do they pay?

District provides facts on tax impact of lakefront properties

May 17, 2024

The provincial agency said the low snowpack levels indicate there will be below normal spring freshet flooding hazards through much of B.C., though extreme rainfall could still cause flooding events.

The latest figures only heighten the drought concerns.

“Low snowpack and seasonal runoff forecasts combined with warm seasonal weather forecasts and lingering impacts from on-going drought are creating significantly elevated drought hazards for this upcoming spring and summer,” the centre stated.