Snow pack levels higher than last year, remain below normal

Snowpack levels across the Kootenays have seen a drastic reduction from normal levels expected in February, but remain above those of last year.

Across B.C., the snowpack sits at an average of 72 per cent of normal as of February 1, compared to 61 per cent at the same time last year.

The Kootenays are separated into four different areas: Upper Columbia, East Kootenay, West Kootenay, and Boundary.

A breakdown of local statistics as of February 1 compared to last month and last year as listed by the B.C. government:

  • Upper Columbia
    • 71 per cent of normal on Feb 1, 2025 (10 per cent increase from Feb. 1, 2024)
    • 86 per cent of normal on Jan 1 (15 per cent decrease)
  • East Kootenay
    • 72 per cent of normal on Feb 1, 2025 (nine per cent increase from Feb. 1, 2024)
    • 92 per cent of normal on Jan 1 (20 per cent decrease)
  • West Kootenay
    • 76 per cent of normal on Feb 1, 2025 (nine per cent increase from Feb. 1, 2024)
    • 94 per cent of normal on Jan 1 (18 per cent decrease)
  • Boundary
    • 89 per cent of normal on Feb 1, 2025 (14 per cent increase from Feb. 1, 2024)
    • 115 per cent of normal on Jan 1 (26 per cent decrease)

The month-to-month decrease was not only felt locally, the province-wide average fell by 15 per cent from 87 per cent on January 1.

The B.C. government says below-average snowpack levels can present risks after temperatures warm up.

“By early February, approximately two-thirds of the annual B.C. snowpack typically accumulates,” said the B.C. government.

“Areas with below normal snowpacks show early concerns for drought conditions amplifying in the spring and summer

That said, there are still two to three months of the snowy season left, which could change snowpack levels significantly, depending on weather patterns.

Continue Reading

cjat Now playing play

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

This year’s West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS Walk raises over $20k

West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS is walking the talk, all the way to $20,176.

Does the Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital need a second access?

The West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board has raised the long-standing issue of the need for a second access to Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Pape signs with Smoke Eaters

The Trail Smoke Eaters have signed another German defenseman.
- Advertisement -