Stage 1 water restrictions hit Oliver
The Town of Oliver has announced Stage 1 Water Restrictions effective May 20.
Tag: Drought
Osoyoos Lake levels rise in attempt to capture spring runoff
The international organization overseeing the management of Osoyoos Lake levels has declared drought conditions for the lake which means water levels will be raised in a bid to capture as much spring runoff as possible for what is expected to be a long hot dry summer ahead.
Okanagan valley looking set for drought this summer
“April showers bring May flowers,” the proverb goes, but with mountain snowpack and valley precipitation both far below normal levels the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is cautioning that this summer is looking to be one of drought conditions for the valley.
Osoyoos to enter Stage 2 water restrictions on May 1
The Town of Osoyoos is entering Stage 2 water restrictions early, getting ahead of summer conditions and water levels that aren’t looking optimal for residents.
Okanagan drought likely as snowpack lowest since 1980
The Province’s latest snow and water supply data indicates that average mountain snowpack is near normal levels, and higher than last year, but warns the number masks significant regional differences such as the Okanagan at 58 per cent of normal is the lowest in recorded history.
ONA fisheries warns on low salmon numbers
The fisheries department of the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is warning the community of a limited harvesting season of sc̓win (sockeye salmon) in the coming weeks, due to a forecast predicting low fish returns.
BC residents urged to prepare now for seasonal hazards
British Columbians are being urged to prepare for seasonal hazards, such as having a grab-and-go bag prepared, as the warming weather increases the likelihood of climate-related emergencies, including spring flooding, wildfires and drought.
Pocket Guide
Lake levels deliberately raised on back of low snow pack
Osoyoos Lake levels , which remained “very low” for much of the 2024-2025 winter due to low precipitation in the Okanagan basin, are now being deliberately raised in preparation for summer according to the International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control (IOLBC).
Consistent shift to warmer temperatures since 2000: OBWB
Temperature indicators for the Okanagan show a consistent shift to warmer average temperatures and more than double the number of extreme heat events than “normal” according to the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB).
Okanagan water board reflects on extreme weather, resiliency
One of the biggest challenges facing the Okanagan going forward is the issue of how communities and economic sectors will share the scarce resource of water during drought conditions, according to the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB).
Okanagan declared at Drought Level 3
As conditions in the Okanagan continue to change rapidly the Province has moved the Okanagan region up to Drought Level 3 or “Severely Dry”.
Okanagan region moved to Level 2 drought rating
The Okanagan region has been moved to a Level 2 “Very Dry” drought rating as a result of the lingering effects from the 2023 drought, low winter snowpack, low precipitation, and warmer than normal temperatures causing an early freshet.
Keeping Osoyoos Lake ‘full’ is good for the fish
Water levels in Osoyoos Lake and further upstream at Okanagan Lake are being kept at higher than normal levels for this time of the year due to low snowpack levels which may contribute to drought conditions this summer.
Province takes action earlier than ever for wildfire season
The province is preparing, earlier than ever, for what could be a challenging wildfire season with above-average fall and winter temperatures predicted to continue, leading to persistent drought and a lack of snowpack accumulation.
Pocket Guide
David Suzuki on Oil
Support for oil and gas projects is often justified on economic grounds: they fuel the economy and create jobs. But do those arguments hold up?
OBWB talk mussels, drought at final 2022 meeting
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) held their last meeting of the year on Oct. 6 when much talk focused on invasive mussels, drought, and water protection projects.
International Osoyoos Lake board provides water level updates
The annual International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control public meeting was held last week on Oct....