'This year’s snow has melted at a typical rate': Last BC snowpack bulletin of 2024

Despite a slightly earlier snowmelt this year, the BC River Forecast Centre says the mountains snowpack melted at a generally seasonal rate.

The last Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin of 2024 says this year’s snowmelt was pretty seasonal, the bulletin says.

As of June 15, the snowpack was still below normal, however, averaging 38% across BC, which is down from the average of 57% recorded on June 1.

However, that is a lot better than the levels recorded this time last year.

Data from June 15, 2023, showed the average snowpack numbers were 4% of normal.

“The upcoming summer continues to have increased drought hazards due to long-term precipitation deficits, low snowpack, and an increased likelihood of warmer than normal weather,” the bulletin says.

“Weather will continue to play an important role in summer drought conditions.”

According to the bulletin, typically three-quarters of BC’s annual snowpack melts by mid-June.

The Middle Fraser, Similkameen and Central Coast basins are all 0% of normal levels.

The Boundary and Okanagan basins are at eight and 6% of normal levels, respectively.

The North Thompson is at 42% of normal while the South Thompson is at 69% of normal.

In the northwest, the Stikine basin has the highest percentage of normal at 80%.

“Despite a very early melt of low elevation snowpack in April, overall this year’s snow has melted at a typical rate, with 79% now melted,” the bulletin says.

The bulletin explains that flood risk across BC remains low and the greatest risk will be from any potential widespread heavy rain events.

Drought hazards remain high due to the low seasonal snowpack, early snowmelt and the lingering impacts of ongoing drought.

Seasonal outlooks from Environment Canada show a “moderate likelihood” of above normal temperatures across nearly the entire province between June and August.

Thumbnail photo credit: BCRFC/123rf