Okanagan had lowest snowpack at the start of 2022

The Okanagan opened the year as having the lowest snow pack in the province.

The River Forecast Centre reported that as of January 1, 2022, the Okanagan’s snow pack was 84 per cent of the annual average.

Most other regions reported normal snow packs in the 90 to 110 per cent range, though there were a few in the 110 to 120 per cent and in the 120 to 130 range as well. Only the Central Coast and Upper Columbia reported snowpacks of 130 per cent or more.

The River Forecast Centre noted that December saw very cold conditions in much of the province, with close to normal precipitation in most regions. This led to increased snow in cities, towns and valley bottoms and lower elevations than the previous December.

The report stated that Environment Canada indicated an increased likelihood of colder than normal temperatures from January through March for the entire province, as well as above average precipitation.

The River Forecast Centre noted that nearly half of B.C.’s snow pack typically has accumulated by early January. It stated that the provincial average of all snow measurements across the province is 115 per cent of normal, but with another large storm expected to arrive on the coast in mid-January, those snow pack conditions can change rapidly.