A map at the various snowpacks across B.C. as of May 15, 2024. (Photo via BC River Forecast Centre)
The B.C. River Forecast Centre says warmer weather in the first half of this month caused the provincial snowpack to melt at a quicker rate, though not as quick as last year.
New data released Thursday shows the provincial snowpack is sitting at 57 per cent of normal as of May 15, a significant decrease from the 66 per cent it was on May 1.
“The May 15th Snow Bulletin provides a mid-month update on the seasonal snowmelt process,” the River Forecast Centre said. “Typically, it highlights if snowmelt is earlier than normal, delayed or melting at seasonal rates.”
“On average, by May 15th approximately 17 per cent of the seasonal snowpack has melted. So far, 31 per cent of peak snowpack has melted this year, driven by low elevation melt in April and the significant heat event on May 9 to 12. Last year, temperatures were much warmer and 43 per cent of the snowpack melted by this time.”
The North Thompson snowpack was sitting at 67 per cent of normal – down from 71 per cent earlier this month – while the South Thompson snowpack was down six per cent to 74 per cent of normal.
A look at the various snow indices across B.C. as of May 15, 2024. (Photo via BC River Forecast Centre)
The River Forecast Centre says there continues to be a low risk of flooding this year because of the lower than normal snowpack to begin with. It says the greatest flood risk in the next six weeks will be from “widespread heavy rain events.”
It remains unclear at this time if the recent rain and snow at the higher elevations would lead to a significant change in the next release of snowpack data on June 10.
“Weather patterns transitioned to wetter and cooler through much of the province by mid-month with some snow stations in the mountains measuring snow accumulation,” the statement added. “The upcoming seven-day forecast shows continued unsettled, wet weather conditions with a possibility of warming again near the end of the month.”
“This season continues to have increased hazards of drought due to long-term precipitation deficits, low snowpack, early snowmelt, and an increased likelihood of warmer than normal spring and summer weather. Weather will continue to play an important role in summer drought conditions.”
You can find the latest data from the BC River Forecast Centre here.
