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.
