Water supply in Greater Vernon looking good so far

VERNON – With temperatures starting to warm up and many looking to get gardening, Greater Vernon is reporting a normal supply of water so far this spring. 

Readings from April 1 show the snow water equivalent at three sites near the Duteau Creek water reservoirs is normal, or slightly above, in all areas, according to a release from Greater Vernon Water.

That measures up with recent snowpack levels from the B.C. River Forecast Centre, which says the Okanagan Basin is at 105 per cent of normal. The Okanagan Basin includes the Kalamalka Lake water source.

According to the forecast centre, there was a significant increase in snowpack from their March 1 readings due to colder than normal temperatures and more snowfall. 

Seasonal forecasts from Environment Canada suggest an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures between April and June.

Last year, unusually warm weather caused Greater Vernon’s water reservoirs to start spilling in May, much earlier than normal.

Greater Vernon Water continues to monitor climate trends and water supplies. Updates can be found here.

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