With significantly lower snowpack this year and a milder spring, the likelihood of seasonal flooding in the Okanagan-Similkameen has been reduced.
This summer could also see reduced flows in local rivers and lakes.
That’s the word from B.C.’s River Forecast Centre, which released its April 1 snow survey report last Wednesday.
The snow basin index in the Okanagan is only 76 per cent of normal and in the Similkameen basin it’s only 73 per cent of normal.
“The average of all provincial snow water equivalent measures for April 1 is 73 per cent of normal,” the report says. “This is the second lowest provincial average snow water equivalent in the past 31 years of records.”
March temperatures across the province were well above normal, the report said, and the central interior, including the Okanagan, experienced below normal precipitation at about 40 to 60 per cent.
At mid elevations, due to warmer temperatures, most of that precipitation fell as rain rather than snow.
In addition to reduced risk of flooding, the lower snowpack here also increase the likelihood of summer low flows here, the report said.
Environment Canada is forecasting a very high likelihood of above normal temperatures over the April to June period across the province, especially in coastal areas, the report said.
El Niño conditions are affecting the equatorial Pacific, but their impact on B.C. weather is likely to be small, the report added.
Flooding is always possible during the snowmelt freshet season even in years with lower snowpack, the report cautions.
A combination of extreme precipitation and hot and wet weather could still produce flooding.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
