Okanagan snowpack well above normal with three months left of snow

The latest data from the British Columbia River Forecast Centre shows Okanagan snow packs well above normal for this time of year.

The snowpack developed more quickly this year due to the early October snowfall, with snow accumulating at a more normal pace since then, according to the forecast centre.

The Okanagan is currently at 132 per cent of normal compared to 91 per cent last year.

The North Thompson region is sitting at 101 per cent compared to 112 per cent at the same time last year. The South Thompson is at 113 per cent compared to 117 per cent in 2020.

The weather forecast calls for continuing La Nîna conditions, which normally results in higher April snowpacks in the southern Interior.

If the La Nîna conditions persist into spring, there is the possibility of late season snow accumulation and late snowmelt, increasing the risk of freshet flooding.

In normal years, nearly half the annual snowpack has accumulated by early January in B.C.

The river forecast centre says with three more months left for snow accumulation, seasonal snow packs can still change significantly.

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