Okanagan remains the driest region in B.C.

Sep 10, 2026 | 10:32 AM

Despite the recent cooler wetter weather, the Okanagan remains the driest region in the province.

The River Forecast Centre said the Okanagan still had a drought rating of Level 4 Thursday, and was the only area in B.C. with a rating that high on the severity index.

The high drought rating also came as the Okanagan, Nicola River, Coldwater River and Similkameen areas were all recorded at High Water Scarcity.

“Kalamalka Lake and Okanagan Lake remain at record-low levels creating concerns about future water availability,” the River Forecast Centre said in its weekly drought report.

“Hedley Creek is reporting record low flows. Flows out of Douglas Lake, a tributary to Nicola Lake, remain the lowest for this time of year. Nicola Lake and Mamit Lake levels remain low. Streamflows in tributaries in the Okanagan North West and Okanagan North East watersheds are below critical flow thresholds for fish.”

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The agency added lake levels, streamflow and groundwater levels continue to be recorded at record lows across the Okanagan, noting that “streams are dry or flowing below levels needed to support healthy aquatic ecosystems, while high water temperatures are placing additional stress on fish. Recent rainfall may provide brief, localized relief, but it has not reversed the watershed’s long-term water deficit.”

The low lake and streamflow levels come as Chinook, Sockeye and Kokanee salmon had been observed migrating into the Okanagan and surrounding regions, and the concern for their viability in these conditions remained very high.

Angling closures in the Okanagan remain in effect until September 15, and a temporary fish protection order for Bessette Creek was also still in place.

People were urged to continue following their local water restrictions and take action to reduce their water use.

The short-term forecast called for “a cold front to bring widespread showers and near or below normal temperatures to the northern half and southeast of the province,” but the rest of the province was expected to see minimal precipitation “aside from isolated downpours associated with thunderstorms.”

by Liam Verster

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