Higher snowpack on east side of Okanagan Lake

Photo: Dale Cory

Recent photo at Apex shows plenty of snow

The Okanagan snowpack is at 116 per cent of normal as of April 1.

Levels differentiate greatly from one side of the lake to the other.

“For the last few months, the Okanagan has experienced a significant divide between the east and west side. The east side stations report anywhere from 125 per cent of normal to up to 180 per cent of normal. Whereas, along the west side, the values range from about 80 per cent of normal to around 105 per cent of normal,” explained BC River Forecast hydrologist Jonathan Boyd.

“What that means is that the overall lake itself may not be at risk. But, what are at risk are some of the creeks along the eastern side — most notably, Mission Creek — so there’s the possibility of localized flooding, especially if we get a sudden warm spell for five to 10 days, followed by heavy rain.”

That’s what took place in 2018, when steady rain caused many creeks to overflow their banks.

Cooler than normal temperatures and dry weather resulted in a modest snowpack accumulation in March. 

There is the risk of seasonal flooding in many regions — including the North Thompson and South Thompson.  High snow packs of more than 120 per cent are present in the South Thompson.  Moderately high snowpacks of 110 to 120 per cent are present in the North Thompson, Okanagan and Similkameen.

“What that means is the Kamloops area is at a higher risk than normal,” added Boyd. “As for an area that’s at high risk simply because of what happened two years ago is the Grand Forks and Boundary region. It’s at 126 percent of normal for April 1. This is still substantially less than 2018 when it was at 149 percent of normal.”  

There is concern regarding the Summerland area, which appears to have a higher snowpack than some other areas.

The Summerland Reservoir has a current snow depth of 940 millimetres, or 132 per cent of normal, while Isintok Lake has a snow depth of 790 millimetres, or 127 per cent of normal.

The provincial snowpack typically reaches its maximum level in mid-April. 

While the River Forecast Centre doesn’t expect significant changes to the current snowpack, continued cool weather can lead to a delay in the snowmelt season and lead to increased seasonal flood risks.