Low-levels of snowpack on B.C.'s mountains is concerning experts, who worry bodies of water, like Cottle Creek in Nanaimo's Linley Valley, might be running very low this spring and summer. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

concerning

Dwindling snowpack around Nanaimo increases potential for summer drought issues

Feb 9, 2024 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — Vancouver Island is in for another dry and drought-filled spring and summer unless we get more rain or snow, according to the most recent snowpack report.

The Feb. 1, snow survey and water supply bulletin provided by the B.C. River Forecast Centre said Vancouver Island is at 30 per cent of its regular snowpack for this time of year, down from 75 per cent last year.

The Island currently has the lowest number out of any zone in the province, followed by the South Coast at 41 per cent.

Across the province, the snowpack level is currently at 61 per cent on average, compared to 79 per cent last year.

The mixed bag of January weather, ending with record-breaking warmth and rain, decimated the snowpack province-wide and decreased the Islands snowpack nine per cent in one month.

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As of Feb 1, 2024, no region in the province is at or near the normal level of snowpack for this time of year. (B.C. Government)

The bulletin warns “low snowpack and seasonal runoff forecasts combined with warm seasonal weather forecasts and lingering impacts from previous drought are creating significantly elevated drought hazards for this upcoming spring and summer.”

Drought conditions have continued and worsened across the province since 2022, with 2023 turning into the worst wildfire year on record for B.C.

While there are still about three months left in the snow season and conditions could still change, current trends indicate the low snowpack will likely persist into the spring as we’re in an El Nino year which is expected to be warmer than average.

Premier David Eby said he’s “really worried” about the coming summer, and the only thing which “eclipses” his concern about drought is watching atmospheric rivers of rain sweep over California, causing landslides and flooding.

The premier said it feels like the extreme weather B.C. is experiencing is an “early warning sign for the rest of Canada about what’s coming with climate change.”

The Province recently announced steps they are taking to prepare farmers for a potential drought this summer.

In-person community workshops will be hosted in more than 30 communities across the province between February and May.

Four workshops will be held on the Island, including in Cobble Hill and Port Alberni on Feb. 15-16, and in Courtenay and Cowichan on March 5-6.

For more information or to register for a workshop, click here.

Compared to the last eight years of snowpack data for Feb. 1, this year has the lowest percentage by far. (B.C. Government)

— with files from The Canadian Press.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow