Data from the province’s latest snow survey and water supply bulletin shows Vancouver Island snowpacks are among the lowest in B.C. as of May 1.
The report shows the Vancouver Island snowpack is at 27 per cent of its seasonal average, while the South Coast, which includes the Sunshine Coast, is at 45 per cent.
It said April was warm and dry through most of BC with limited opportunities for sustained snow accumulation, leaving the provincial snowpack at 83 per cent of normal.
Forecasters say above-normal temperatures are likely to persist through the province until at least July.
The province says there are concerns for drought this season throughout many areas of the province due to long-term precipitation deficits, low snow pack, early snowmelt and seasonal weather forecasts.
“Drought hazard in British Columbia is influenced by several factors beyond snowpack alone, including spring and summer precipitation, temperature patterns, soil moisture conditions, and the timing and rate of snowmelt,” said the province’s report. “ Although above normal snowpack in some alpine regions may support continued runoff through late spring, many southern regions have experienced relatively dry conditions during portions of the winter and early spring.”
