iN NUMBERS: Starting 2026 with a healthy snowpack in Thompson-Okanagan

The new year is starting off with a healthy amount of snowpack, which ought to help since the Okanagan’s drought persists.

Not only is snowpack good for improving drought conditions, it’s good for skiers and snowboarders too.

Here are the numbers:

• 4: Years. That’s how long the Okanagan has been facing consistent drought conditions now that it’s 2026.
• 5: Major municipalities in the Okanagan have watering restrictions.
• 2: That’s the drought level the Okanagan ended the year on. The drought level is measured on a scale from one to four, four being an emergency.
• 92: Per cent of normal. That’s how much snowpack there is in the Okanagan.
• 156: Per cent of normal. That’s how much snowpack there is in Similkameen.
• 98: Per cent of normal. That’s how much snowpack there is in South Thompson.
• 131: Centimetres. That’s the snow base at Big White Ski Resort.
• 117: Centimetres. That’s the snow base at Sun Peaks Resort.
• 168: Centimetres. That’s the snow base at Apex Mountain Resort.
• 110: Centimetres. That’s the snow base at SilverStar Mountain Resort.