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Dry conditions at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)
Dry Creeks, Low Lake Levels

Okanagan drought conditions remain a concern

Oct 8, 2026 | 12:56 PM

The recent cooler and wetter weather has had minimal impact on the ongoing drought conditions in the Okanagan.

That’s according to the B.C. River Forecast Centre, who stated the Okanagan was at Drought Level 2 and had a Water Scarcity Rating of High as of Thursday.

The agency said the recent precipitation in the Okanagan had not impacted streamflows, which “remain concerningly low for aquatic ecosystem needs in many tributaries,” including the upper reaches of Middle Vernon Creek and McDougall Creek which remained dry.

The River Forecast Centre also noted that Kalamalka and Okanagan Lake “remain at record-low levels, continuing concerns about future water availability.”

The agency warned that communities across the Thompson-Okanagan area continued to face concerns about drinking water availability, noting precipitation was not in the forecast for the region in the coming week, and urged people to continue following their local water restrictions.

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