Water Shortage Possible

By 250 News

In April and May the early reports indicated we could be facing a water shortage this summer, and the latest information says there has been nothing to  indicate that will change.

The  nice temperatures experienced in the latter part of May and the rainfall that followed,  meant snowmelt rates  throughout the Interior were well above normal, in some cases two or three times the normal rate.  The snowpack itself was below it’s normal level,  so combine that with a faster than normal melt, and there is a potential for problems.

The Provincial Ministry of the Environment says  the high flows for the major rivers are pretty much overwith with the upper Fraser, Fraser at Hope, and the North Thompson all peaking in May.   All are now receding.

As of June 1st, snowpack conditions were 30 % below normal  in the Upper Fraser and Nechako (particularly eastern portions of the Nechako basin) and 40% below normal in the Skeena basin. 

The Ministry says "These basins have also experienced earlier than normal (two to three weeks earlier) snowmelt and runoff. Unless rainfall during the rest of June is normal or above normal, these areas may experience an earlier than usual start to the low-flow season, and may experience water supply problems."

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