Some River Levels at 20 Year Low

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 11:29 AM

Prince George, B.C. – Rivers and streams in the northern half of B.C. are well below normal for this time of year. The latest report from the Ministry of the Environment pegs the Peace, Liard and Skeena regions as being Drought Level 3, indicating concern for fish and water supplies, unless significant rainfall occurs.

In the Peace region, most tributaries are near or at record minimum low flows for this time of year. The Peace region is classified as Drought Level 3 (very dry conditions) and is expected to reach Drought Level 4 (extremely dry conditions) in the next two weeks, unless significant rainfall occurs.

In the far Northeast, the Liard River is at a 20-year return period low flow. On the North Coast, the Skeena River is at a 20-year return period low flow, and the Bulkley River is at a 10-year return period low flow. The Skeena and Nass region is expected to remain at Drought Level 3 throughout the summer unless above-normal rainfall occurs. Potential for serious effects on fish and aquatic organisms due to low stream flows, and water supply shortages (including groundwater aquifers) are highly probable. The Ministry of the Environment advises water conservation, water restrictions at the local level should be considered where appropriate, and drought management plans should be reviewed and implemented.

Flows along the mainstem of the Fraser River, downstream of the confluence of the McGregor River, are at 10-year return period low flows. The McGregor River is at a 20-year return period low flow.

In the Central Interior, the Cariboo region is also dry with the Quesnel and Horsefly rivers between 10-20 year return period low flows. In contrast, streams in the Chilcotin region are generally between median and five-year return period low flows.

The upper Fraser and middle Fraser River areas, as well as the mid-coastal areas, are expected to hold at Drought Level 2 (dry conditions) unless above-normal rainfall occurs.

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