The latest survey shows the West Kootenay snowpack is 76 per cent of normal, as of Feb. 1.
According to a report from B.C.’s River Forecast Centre, these measurements are down from 94 per cent in January, but up from 67 in 2024.
The West Kootenay snowpack is measured monthly at 20 locations. Two of those — Ferguson (northeast of Trout Lake) and Mount Templeman (northwest of Duncan Lake) — have record-low readings. Ferguson’s records go back 52 years, and Mount Templeman's 44 years.
The provincial snowpack was also below normal, averaging 72 per cent across B.C, decreasing from 87 per cent on Jan. 1. This is still an increase from Feb. 1, 2024, when the provincial snowpack average was 61 per cent.
Temperatures were near average in last month throughout most of B.C., but snowfall was lacking with a prolonged two-week period of extremely dry conditions. In general, most regions of the province were within the top 10 driest years for January over their respective period of records.
While snow accumulated near the end of the month, weather during the first week of February was colder than normal, causing a quick return to dry conditions. The upcoming forecast shows a continuation of cold, dry weather.
"Regions with near normal snowpack levels have a higher risk for spring snowmelt related flooding, especially if La Niña conditions persist," according to the River Forecast Centre report.
"Areas with below normal snowpack show early concerns for drought conditions amplifying in the spring and summer. By early February, approximately two-thirds of the annual B.C. snowpack typically accumulates."
By early February, around two-thirds of the annual snowpack has typically accumulated. With two to three months left in the snow accumulation season, measurements could still change significantly based on upcoming weather patterns.
