The snowpack level on Vancouver Island is at 0 per cent of typical levels for June, according to the latest Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin released by the B.C. River Forecast Centre.

The update was released on June 1, when typically about 55 per cent of seasonal mountain snowpack has melted across the province. However, so far this year “approximately two-thirds of the peak snowpack melted, primarily driven by warmer than normal temperatures in April and May,” reads the bulletin.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre says a slightly warmer May than usual, combined with less than average rainfall has accelerated the snowmelt throughout most of the province.

“Precipitation during May was below normal across much of British Columbia, particularly across Vancouver Island, the South Coast, southern Interior, and portions of the Peace Region,” reads the bulletin.

Flood and drought concerns

A rapidly melting snowpack means runoff risks are higher in areas with large remaining snowpacks, according to the river forecast centre.

However, the province notes that snowpack alone “does not determine flood hazard.”

Heavy rainfall, particularly following extended periods of dry weather and heat, also contributes to flood risks.

“Rainfall at higher elevations can further amplify runoff where substantial snowpack remains,” reads the bulletin. “Communities and residents in flood-prone areas should continue to monitor forecasts and river conditions through the remainder of the spring runoff season.”

Meanwhile, low snowpacks are raising concerns about drought this summer – though the province notes again the snowpacks alone are not the sole indicator for if a drought will occur.

“While above-normal snowpack remains in portions of northern British Columbia and some higher elevation interior watersheds, much of southern British Columbia experienced below-normal snowpack and an earlier-than-normal melt season,” reads the bulletin.

“Snowpack conditions are particularly low across Vancouver Island, the South Coast, Okanagan, Boundary and Lower Thompson regions.”

The province says the greatest drought risk lies in southern B.C., though it notes that it’s too early to say what water levels will be this summer, depending on things like precipitation and temperature.

“By June 1, approximately two-thirds of the provincial snowpack had melted from its seasonal peak, compared to a long-term average of about 55% by this time of year,” said the B.C. River Forecast Centre.

“Snowpack conditions vary considerably across British Columbia, ranging from 0% to more than 200% of normal depending on the region.”

The next Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin will be conducted in mid June, with data available sometime between June 16 and 19.

RELATED:

• Victoria records one of its driest Mays on record as drought, wildfire concerns grow
• Low snowpack, dry conditions raise drought fears on Vancouver Island

The post Vancouver Island snowpack at 0% normal levels for June appeared first on CHEK.

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