Latest report shows Southern Interior mountain snowpacks shrinking fast

FAST MELT OF SNOWPACKS CAUSING FLOOD CONCERNS

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Swollen streams and flood warnings are the downstream signs of the larger-than-normal snowpacks and earlier-than-normal spring freshet.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre’s latest automated snow pillow network shows snow levels dropping sharply in the face of warm, dry conditions across most of the province.

Low- and mid-level snowpacks have largely melted early this spring leading to a drop in the snow water equivalent to 83 per cent on April 15, from the provincial average of 92 per cent on April 1.

Higher-elevation snowpacks are just beginning to decay, about two weeks earlier than normal.

While some parts of the province are well below the snow water equivalent this year, average or above average snow pack conditions continue in the Okanagan, Thompson, West Kootenay, Boundary and Columbia basins.

High runoff conditions have led to high streamflow advisories around the region and the closure of several parks along area creeks.

Find past stories on snowpack levels and spring runoff here.

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