Latest snowpack update fails to lessen drought concerns
The latest snowpack readings for B.C. show the province’s average is at 57 per cent of normal.
The Okanagan is at 49 per cent of normal, down from 60 per cent at the start of May.
BC River Forecast Centre snowpack readings as of May 15, 2024The readings from over 100 snow reading stations across the province, were taken on May 15.
The BC River Forecast Centre said the numbers suggest the potential for snowmelt-related flooding is low, but the drought hazards are significantly higher for this spring and summer.
“The greatest flood risk over the upcoming six weeks is from widespread heavy rain events,” the centre stated.
On average, by May 15, about 17 per cent of the seasonal snowpack has melted.
“So far, 31 per cent of peak snowpack has melted this year, driven by low elevation melt in April and the significant heat event on May 9-12. Last year, temperatures were much warmer and 43 per cent of the snowpack melted by this time,” the agency said in its report.