Overview
- The April 1 snow survey shows a provincial average at about 92% of normal, but readings swing from 26% in the Skagit to as high as 136% in the Nechako and Peace.
- Key southern and coastal basins are far below normal, with Vancouver Island at 44%, the South Coast at 57%, the Nicola at 51% and the Okanagan at 58%—its lowest April 1 index since records began around 1980.
- Northern and eastern regions report well above-normal snow, and forecasters expect higher spring runoff in the Upper Fraser, Bulkley, Skeena and Similkameen basins, along with Cowichan Lake inflows.
- Communities in low-snow areas are preparing drought responses because snowpack acts like a summer water bank for drinking water, farms and streams.
- Environment Canada projects warmer-than-normal conditions through June with uncertain precipitation, so near-term weather will determine whether low-snow basins face restrictions or high-snow areas see flooding.