Latest news with #snowpack
CTV News
24-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Low snowpack levels suggest B.C. needs a wet and cool June
Snowpack levels in B.C. are falling below the usual amounts expected for this time of the year. What does that mean for summer water restrictions?
CTV News
24-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
B.C. snowpack lower than normal
Snowpack levels in B.C. are falling below the usual amounts expected for this time of the year. What does that mean for summer water restrictions?
CBC
23-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Early snowmelt in B.C. points to elevated drought hazards
The B.C. River Forecast Centre says conditions in British Columbia points toward elevated drought hazards in the province. B.C.'s snowpack sits at 61 per cent of normal levels as of May 15, the centre wrote in its latest report, down from 71 per cent on May 1. Those lower levels are a reflection of the fact that snow is melting earlier than normal, the report said, primarily because April was warmer than normal. Thirty-six per cent of B.C.'s snowpack had melted by May 15, the report said. In a typical year, 21 per cent of the seasonal snowpack has melted by mid-May. Darius Mahdavi, CBC's science specialist, said early snowmelt can lead to less snow to feed reservoirs later in the season. "The snow is sort of like a backup for the rain," Mahdavi said. "If we don't get rain, but we still have snowpack melting it sort of can compensate for that a bit. If we don't have the snowpack, there's no backup." The centre said there is no elevated flood hazard given current snowpack levels, but higher flows are possible if there is heavy rainfall. A provincial drought monitoring survey issued Thursday said cooler and wetter weather over the past week has improved drought conditions and boosted streamflows, especially in the province's southern coastal areas, but said rises in streamflow due to snowmelt can mask drought conditions. "Streamflows may decline quickly once snowpack has fully melted if significant rainfall does not occur," the survey said. Mahdavi says drought conditions in the northeastern corner of B.C. are the most worrying, with the basins at Fort Nelson and North Peace at drought Level 3 and the East Peace basin at Level 4 on a scale that ranges from zero to five. The survey paints a slightly more optimistic picture for western B.C., Mahdavi says, with drought conditions improving in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii.
Bloomberg
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Bloomberg
Record Pace of Snowmelt in US West Threatens Another Drought
Takeaways NEW Widespread heat across the US West is causing the snowpack to melt at a record-breaking pace, risking water shortages and an early start to wildfire season. Parts of the region spanning the West Coast to the lower Mountain West have less than half of the normal amount of snow typical at this time of year, the US National Integrated Drought Information System said in a statement. Some have nothing. Only parts of southern Oregon and a few places in Northern California are holding onto above-average snow pack.
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Colorado spring storm brought welcome moisture, provided some temporary drought relief
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 70% of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought, with significant portions facing moderate to severe conditions. The recent spring storm brought much-needed moisture to southeastern Colorado, providing temporary relief. CBS However, the rest of the state, particularly the western region, received minimal precipitation and experienced unusually warm temperatures, exacerbating drought conditions. CBS The state's snowpack, a crucial water source, is significantly below average. The statewide snowpack stands at just 44% of the average, primarily due to early snowmelt.
