Drought impact risks remain low in the Okanagan

Jun 7, 2024 | 12:30 PM

For the second consecutive week, the Okanagan Basin’s drought impact risk remained very low.

As of Thursday, June 6, the B.C. River Forecast Centre had rated the region as Drought Level 1.

Under that designation, adverse impacts to socio-economic and ecosystem values would be rare. Water conservation is the only recommended action for people living or visiting areas rated Level.

Environment Canada reported 1.6 milimetres of precipitation in Vernon and 8.5 milimetres in Kelowna between the most recent and the previous drought condition report.

The North Thompson basin was also at Level 1 for the second week in a row, while the Lower Thompson was Level 2 for its second consecutive week,

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The South Thompson, Nicola and Similkameen were at Level 2, which they have been since May 2. Under Level 2, conditions are unlikely to have adverse impacts to the socio-economic and ecosystem values. Along with conserving water, area water restrictions may be put in place.

The Upper and Lower Columbia, East and West Kootenay, and Kettle Basins remain at Level 1, a rating they have held since May 2 as well.

The Middle Fraser remains the only basin in the region rated Level 3, which indicate that adverse impacts due to conditions are possible. Its recommended people conserve water, and its likely water restrictions will be put in place.

Level 1 is the second lowest drought condition rating. The only areas listed as Level 0 in the most recent update were the Northwest and the Stikine basins.

As of June 6, the only area ranked Level 5, the highest rating, was the East Peace, though basins throughout the northeast corner of the province were at Level 4.

by Liam Verster

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