As of March 1, the British Columbia snowpack remains very low, averaging 66 per cent of normal. In other words, 34 per cent below normal. The summary was published by the BC Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin.

The Fraser River at Hope snow index is well below normal at 70 per cent.

Dry conditions persisted through February until a stormy pattern brought the most significant snowfall of the season in the final week. Due to the low snow conditions, below normal spring freshet flood hazard is expected this season.

Low snowpack and seasonal runoff forecasts combined with warm seasonal weather forecasts and lingering impacts from on-going drought are creating significantly elevated drought hazards for the upcoming spring and summer of 2024.

There are four to eight weeks left in snow accumulation season. While conditions may change slightly over this period, current trends in low snowpack are expected to persist.

The last time these snowpack conditions were recorded at this level was 2001.

Source:  BC Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin March 1, 2024