Okanagan’s snowpack dropped to 2% of normal

Jun 10, 2026 | 10:48 AM

The regional snowpack has almost completely dried up.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre says the Okanagan’s snowpack was at two per cent of normal as of June 1.

That was down from the Okanagan’s 16 per cent in mid-May, and well below the provincial average of 64 per cent on June 1.

The agency said around 55 per cent of B.C.’s snowpack typically melts by June 1, but warns that this year’s melt happened earlier than normal for many areas, including the Okanagan, posing some risks heading into the hotter months

“The greatest drought hazard heading into summer remains across southern British Columbia, where below-normal snowpack, early snowmelt and periods of below-normal precipitation have reduced water supply entering the warm season,” the River Forecast Centre said in its snowpack report.

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“Continued warm and dry weather through June and summer could accelerate watershed drying, increase streamflow recession rates and elevate drought hazard, particularly in regions already experiencing low snowpack and limited spring precipitation. Conversely, periods of sustained rainfall could help replenish soil moisture, support streamflows and reduce drought impacts in some areas.”

As of June 4 the Okanagan had a Drought Level 5 rating, and people in the area were advised to follow all their local water restrictions to try to conserve the supply heading into the summer.

by Liam Verster

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