Summerland’s latest snow measurements are well below the historical averages.
The measurements were taken on May 1, at Summerland Reservoir and Isintok Lake, both west of the community.
The snow pack was completely gone at Summerland Reservoir. Normally, the May 1 measurement at this site is the equivalent of 107 millimetres of water. This is based on measurements from 61 years.
At Isintok Lake, the snow level was 230 millimetres, or the equivalent of 82 millimetres of water. This is 65 per cent of the historical average of 127 millimetres at this site, based on 60 years of measurements.
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Snow measurements at the two sites are taken at the beginning of the month from January to May, and then twice a month until the snow pack has completely melted.
The 2024 measurements have tended to be lower than the historical averages.
In January, Summerland Reservoir was at 58 per cent of normal. This percentage rose to 93 per cent in February, but has been significantly lower than normal since that time.
At Isintok Lake, the January measurement was 88 per cent of normal, followed by 107 per cent of normal in February. In March and April, the measurements have been lower than the historical averages.
The low snow levels in Summerland this year are part of a trend throughout British Columbia.
The April report from the B.C. River Forecast Centre showed the provincial snow pack levels were 63 per cent of normal on average. This is the lowest figure on record in the province.
Concerns have been raised about the possibility of a drought in the province this year.