River Levels Still Low

By 250 News

Thelow flow levels  noted in June were blamed on reduced snowfall, and an early fast melt in May.  Now the July low flows are being blamed on cooler temps that have slowed the glacial melt.

Here are the highlights of the latest river and streamflow report (July data) as published  by the  Mininstry of the Environment.

Flows in both the McGregor River at Lower Canyon and the Fraser River at McBride have been receding over the past two weeks, with flows currently below a 10 and five-year return period low flow,respectively. The reduction in flow is likely the result of reduced glacial melt following a steady decline in temperatures since the last week of July.

The Fraser River at Shelley (at Prince George) remains at a five-year low flow.

Both the North Thompson River at McLure and Thompson River at Spences Bridge are below a 20-year return period low flow and are near or approaching a record low.

The Eagle River at Malakwa and the Coldwater River at Merritt continue to experience record low flows.

Chilcotin River  has dropped to a new record low. Flow has improved in the Horsefly River and is near a five-year low flow.
The Quesnel River remains near the five-year low flow.  The Fraser River at Hope remains below a 20-year return period low
flow.

Peace: All gauged rivers in the Peace are currently experiencing below median flow, although conditions are variable and improving at some locations.

The report says unless  we have  continuous rain for some time, the water supply will continue to recede.

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