The Canadian Press – Signs of drought in B.C.'s latest snow, water supply bulletin
“In the Rockies and northeast, upper-low weather patterns can extend the flood season into July. Therefore, precipitation poses a flood risk through the spring even with limited snowpack”
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This new article published in The Canadian Press covers British Columbia’s most recent snow survey and water supply bulletin, which painted a concerning picture: despite a slight improvement in snowpack levels in March, the province remains at heightened risk of drought heading into spring and summer 2025. As of early April, the average snowpack is just 79% of normal— up from 63% on April 1, 2024, but still well below historical averages.
The bulletin underscores that low snowpack, coupled with ongoing drought effects and an anticipated warm spring, points to an elevated risk of drought across much of B.C. While areas like the southern Okanagan, Boundary, and West Kootenay regions have above-normal snow levels and could see localized flooding, the broader freshet hazard— the rapid snowmelt-driven rise in rivers— is expected to be reduced this year.
Regional disparities remain stark. The central coast sits at just 45% of its normal snowpack, while parts of the upper Fraser River basin have reached 94%. Compounding the issue, Environment Canada’s seasonal outlook suggests B.C. will likely experience above-normal temperatures through June. This could accelerate snowmelt and reduce the water available later in the summer when demand peaks.
While La Niña years can sometimes delay snowmelt and extend water availability into the late season, this year’s warmer forecast suggests an early melt—intensifying drought risk. Precipitation remains hard to predict, but southern B.C., including Vancouver Island and the South Coast, is expected to receive below-normal rainfall.
Importantly, the province does not currently face widespread flood risk from snowpack alone. However, rainfall in May and June, especially in the Interior and Rockies, could still create localized flood hazards. The bulletin emphasizes that the timing of snowmelt and the nature of spring weather will be critical in determining drought outcomes.
As drought conditions become more frequent and severe, data-driven initiatives like the Canada1Water project (C1W) are essential. By offering a detailed, continental-scale view of Canada's water cycle, C1W helps support better forecasting, planning, and decision-making— tools that will be crucial in adapting to the growing challenge of water scarcity.
A dock in the village of Zeballos, B.C., is shown on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito