Kootenay snowpacks drop, wildfire outlook unclear

Snowpacks in the Kootenays are considerably lower this June compared to last June, but the BC Wildfire Service says that doesn’t automatically mean this wildfire season will be worse.

The BC River Forecast Centre’s June 9 Snow Basin Index measures snowpacks in the West Kootenay at 54 per cent of normal – a 25 per cent drop from 2024’s measurement of 79 per cent, although still the third highest in the province. 

The Kootenay Boundary is at 53 per cent of normal, 21 per cent lower than last year’s 74 per cent, while East Kootenay levels are 24 per cent of normal, compared to 67 per cent in June 2024. 

Provincially, the snowpack is 64 per cent of normal. 

When snowpacks melt earlier and more rapidly, forest fuels dry out quicker, increasing the risk of ignition. 

However, Southeast Fire Centre Fire Information Officer Kim Wright says the speed of snowmelt doesn’t necessarily determine how severe the fire season will be, but rather how early it starts. 

“Once the snowpack is melted, that gives the opportunity for the fuels beneath to begin to dry. So the earlier that snowpack is gone, the earlier heat and wind will start drying the fuels out, and that is what makes them become receptive to lightning strikes.” 

The severity of the Kootenay wildfire season is also largely dependent on the amount of precipitation received in May and June, although BC Wildfire forecasts this year to be abnormally dry, with no indication of sufficient rainfall to alleviate elevated drought conditions. 

While the wildfire service does have some concerns about overwintered fires in other regions, it is less of a concern in the Kootenay area, despite 2024’s significant wildfire season. 

Wright says fires that overwinter tend to be located in the northern part of the province. 

“In the boreal forest, which is the predominant fuel type up in the north and the northeast, there is a much thicker duff layer that can be like five to six, or even more feet deep. And that’s the kind of thing those fires can smoulder deep into. This is not the case here in the southeast.” 

As the summer progresses, the likelihood of dry lightning increases, which Wright says often triggers fire activity. 

Wildfire preparedness

Regardless of the overall outlook, Wright says the SE Fire Centre is focusing heavily on preparedness, noting that it’s not a question of “if” wildfires happen but “when” – and how well communities prepare. 

“We are always focused on preparing for wildfires that we know are going to happen. We don’t have a wildfire season without wildfires.” 

The SE Fire Centre’s current preparation efforts include training, securing critical contracts, as well as working with First Nations and regional governments. 

With forecasts predicting lightning over the next several days, Wright says the fire service is focused on ensuring detection efforts remain ongoing, with crews, aviation resources, and equipment positioned to respond. 

For residents, she emphasizes the importance of fire preparedness and FireSmart practices. 

“I always say preparedness and prevention apply to everyone. The best, most effective thing that people can do to lessen the impact of the fire season on themselves is to FireSmart their homes and businesses. Knowing your sources of information and having a go bag packed during the summer months.” 

The BC Wildfire app and desktop are excellent resources for wildfire information, while local emergency notification systems such as VoyentAlert! help residents stay informed about emergencies in their area.  

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