Upper Fraser East hovering near normal snowpack levels
By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
B.C.’s Upper Fraser East region saw snowpack levels slightly below normal throughout March and the beginning of April, according to data from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship’s latest snow survey and water supply bulletin.
The region had 79 per cent of normal snowpack as of April 1st – considerably higher than last year when the region reported 56 per cent of normal snowpack.
Northern B.C. saw little precipitation over the last month, according to the Ministry. While the province is experiencing the La Niña phenomenon this year – in which cool winds from the Pacific Ocean typically bring cooler, wetter weather to B.C. – this year’s weather patterns do not reflect the typical La Niña conditions of late-season snow accumulation, according to the Ministry. Rather, while Environment and Climate Change Canada does forecast above-normal precipitation in the Prince George area in April and June, it says there is a high likelihood of above-normal temperatures through June for the entire province.
On average, the province sits at 79 per cent of normal snowpack. The below normal snowpack levels mean there is no elevated flood risk due to snowmelt, the Ministry says.
However, areas like the Upper Fraser East which hover at just slightly below normal may have some snowmelt-related flooding if there is heavy rainfall or high atmospheric pressure, the Ministry says.
At the same time, there is an increased risk of drought this summer due to low snowpack throughout the province and the persistence of drought impacts from previous seasons. Spring weather conditions will help determine the likelihood of drought, the Ministry says.
The Ministry will provide another snowpack update on May 8th or 9th, depending on data availability.
