B.C.’s snowpack remains ‘very low,’ drought concerns high despite snowfall

The late February rain and snow storms have not made a significant impact in B.C.'s snowpack level, leaving officials concerned with the incoming spring and summer.

B.C.’s recent string of rain and snow has not made a significant impact on the overall snowpack in the province.

As of March 1, the provincial snowpack remains very low, according to the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

Across B.C., the snowpack is about 34 per cent below season averages.

The Fraser River at Hope, B.C., is well below normal as well at 70 per cent.

Officials with the province have been vocal regarding concerns with the coming spring and summer when it comes to drought conditions and the inevitable wildfire season.

Dry conditions persisted through February until a late stormy pattern brought the most significant snowfall of the season. Even with the snowfall, a low snowpack and seasonal runoff forecasts combined with warm seasonal weather lead officials to believing there will be a significant drought hazard for the spring and summer.

Two February storms did provide some relief but it has not been enough to curb concerns with the below-average snowpack.

There is roughly two months left for snow accumulation, but officials said the weather trends and forecasts are leading them to think the below-normal snowpack is expected to continue.