Kootenay snowpack far lower than normal levels

B.C. is seeing extremely low snowpack across the province compared to last year.

The BC River Forecast Centre released its report on Wednesday, however, the data is based on Jan. 1 measurements.

This means there’s likely been some change with the snow that fell over the past week.

Provincially, the snowpack is averaging 56 per cent of normal compared to last year where it was 82 per cent.

In the East Kootenay, the snowpack is at 62 per cent of normal down from 95 per cent.

In the Upper Columbia region, the snowpack is at 59 per cent of normal compared to 77 per cent last year.

The West Kootenay is at 57 per cent and the Boundary region is at 58 per cent.

Last year they were at 93 per cent and 129 per cent of normal respectively.

A normal snowpack is the average measurement recorded at a station between 1991 and 2020.

Unless there is a drastic change, the BC River Forecast Centre is expecting a lower flooding risk during the spring freshet.

However, it could significantly affect ongoing drought concerns and increase fire risk in the summer.

The next snow bulletin is scheduled for Feb. 8.

Josiah Spyker
Josiah Spyker
Josiah is an integral part of our East Kootenay team. Since joining Vista Radio in 2021, he has combined his love of community and sport in his reporting for the news team, while also stepping in as an on-air announcer.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. election: A look at the main party promises as advance voting begins

With advance voting underway in B.C.'s provincial election, the major parties are offering competing plans on affordability, health care, housing and the economy.

Nakusp forestry contractor fined after worker seriously injured in flash fire

A Nakusp forestry contractor has been fined more than $45,000 after a worker was seriously injured in a flash fire at a cutblock near Passmore. 

Exciting developments ahead for Nelson Nordic Ski Club this winter

There’s plenty to look forward to at the Nelson Nordic Ski Club this winter, with exciting developments underway ahead of the upcoming ski season.

Halloween Kittens at the West Kootenay BC SPCA

Kittens have arrived and are up for adoption with the Castlegar BC SPCA, and are our Summit Radio Pets of the Week!

B.C. Conservatives drop candidate over alleged online comments about Hitler

The B.C. Conservatives have dropped a second election candidate following allegations of antisemitic and racist social media posts.
- Advertisement -