Forecasters say higher than average precipitation could offset the increased risk of spring wildfires in the Kootenays despite higher temperatures.
According to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the province experienced drier-than-average conditions early in the year, but much of southern B.C. was hit by significantly increased precipitation in March, with 100 to 200 per cent of normal amounts recorded.
That snowfall contributed to better snowpack conditions in the Kootenays, with levels at 78 per cent of normal in the East Kootenay, 85 per cent in the West Kootenay and 98 per cent in the boundary region.
“We’re at the peak of the snowpack accumulation season right now, so the April survey gives us the best opportunity to look at how much water is available on the landscape to melt,” said David Campbell, head of the BC River Forecast Centre.
Deep snowpacks play a vital role in suppressing wildfires as spring and summer progress.
“Snowpack at higher elevations is an important factor in lightning-caused wildfires. When mountain tops are covered with snow, vegetative fuels cannot ignite, reducing the risk of wildfire starts in remote areas,” said Campbell.
The risks of droughts and wildfires remain despite higher precipitation.
“Weather is the critical factor as we go forward here. Spring and summer weather is crucial for where we’re going to see river conditions, and spring is the wet season for the Interior,” said Campbell.
“Adverse conditions we’re looking out for are things like prolonged hot and dry weather.”
Many valley bottoms in the Kootenays are currently experiencing the ‘spring dip,’ which is a period after the snow melts, allowing dead, dry grasses and fine fuels to quickly dry out and become a fire hazard.
“Spring Dip describes the decrease in foliar moisture, or the amount of moisture in the needles of coniferous trees,” said the BCWS.
“It occurs in the period shortly after the snow has melted, but before vegetation begins to green up. Trees, and especially conifers, also have a low moisture content, which makes them especially vulnerable in early spring.”
However, rain is helping alleviate some of those early spring fire hazards in the Kootenays.
Matt MacDonald, BCWS lead forecaster, says the next few months are vital for determining this year’s wildfire season.
“There is a signal for the coastal areas and the centre parts of the province to perhaps see wetter than normal conditions, and that could help counteract the effects of these warmer temperatures,” said MacDonald.
“We’ll have to see how that plays out, particularly in May and June, which are key months in defining the nature of the fire season.”
MacDonald says the BCWS anticipates a less intense wildfire season in southern B.C. compared to previous seasons.
“In the south, we’re expecting a less aggressive fire start than previous years owing to all that precipitation and an earlier green-up than normal,” said MacDonald.
Despite the decreased wildfire risk across the southern part of B.C., emergency preparedness is still worth considering.
“Everyone has a role to play, and a starting point is creating a household emergency plan and grab-and-go bag,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
“In urgent situations, people may receive an alert through cell phones, radio and television. I encourage people to bookmark EmergencyInfoBC and their local government website for verified emergency information.”
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