The B.C. River Forecast Centre released its May Snow Survey Bulletin today, showing below-normal precipitation levels across much of the province, including parts of the southern Interior and Kootenay Boundary region, where ongoing dry conditions are raising concerns about drought this summer.
The latest survey found snow basin indices well below normal in several southern regions, including the Boundary basin at 53 per cent of normal. Nearby southern Interior regions also reported significantly reduced snowpack, including the Okanagan at 31 per cent, the Similkameen at 61 per cent and the Nicola at nine per cent.
About 28 per cent of the province’s measured snowpack has already melted, compared with the seasonal average of six per cent by this time of year. Officials and watershed advocates said the combination of long-term precipitation deficits, low snowpack, early snowmelt and warmer seasonal forecasts is increasing the risk of drought and water shortages across southern B.C.
“With drought risk rising across much of B.C. due to another year of low snowpack and early melt, water insecurity is becoming the new normal,” said Coree Tull of the B.C. Watershed Security Coalition. “This is the fourth consecutive year communities across the province have experienced drought, yet most local governments and communities still lack the resources and tools needed to get ahead of these crises.”
The coalition said prolonged dry conditions could affect drinking water supplies, agriculture, fish habitat and local economies throughout the Kootenay Boundary region and other parts of southern B.C.
“Communities are ready to lead, but they cannot do it alone,” Tull said. “Investing in watershed security solutions that bring local people together to strengthen communities’ ability to prepare, respond, and make collaborative decisions is critical to protecting drinking water, salmon, agriculture, local jobs, and the long-term economic stability communities depend on.”
