Rivers Low

By 250 News

As predicted in the spring,  the water levels in rivers and  streams throughout the province are low. 

Most rivers are  at 20 year  lows, which means water that is flowing, is much warmer than normal, and that could spell disaster for the fisheries.  Salmon become disoriented and suffer from a disease that  presents itself when the fish are in waters that are too warm

Streamflows are reported as very low in most of the Peace River basin, along with some streams in the upper Fraser, middle Fraser, eastern Nechako basin and the Thompson.

This reflects  below normal snow-water levels  as much of the snowpack in these areas melted in early May when  there was a period of near record temperatures.  Rainfall was below normal  in June and July for those same areas.  Unless there is significant rainfall for the month of August, the water levels will continue to recede.

Upper Fraser: All gauged rivers are currently below median flows for thedate (generally near a 10-year return period low flow).

Middle Fraser: Most rivers in the middle Fraser are near 10-20 yearreturn period low flows.

The Fraser River at Hope is at a20-year return period low flow.

The Horsefly River is at a 20-year low flow.

Cayoosh Creek near Lillooet is at a 20-year low flow. Some rivers along the western side of the middle Fraser are currently above median flowlevels, reflecting glacial melt.

The Thompson River at Spences Bridge is below a 20-year low flow.

Peace: Most gauged rivers in the Peace are currently experiencing very low flows, generally in the 10-to-20-year return period low flow range.

The Skeena River is at a 10-year return period low flow, while the Bulkley River is at a 20-year low.

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