As we are well aware, the Boundary region has less snow than usual for this time of year. According to BC Snow Report, the Boundary snowpack is only 58% of what is a normal snow pack. However, the Province determined this using data from only two sites: Grano Creek (automated) and Monashee Pass (manual), as our other two manual snow stations (Carmi and Big White) are often not measured this early in the season. For information on these snow stations go to the Snow Interactive Map – their snow levels are shown below.

When our snowpack melts in the spring, it gives us the water we need for to recharge our groundwater (aquifers) and rivers. This is needed as nature prepares for the normally drier summer conditions. Now is a great time to consider how best you can prepare to save more water this year, perhaps just by using it more wisely. You might consider using rain barrels to support garden watering, plan for deep watering your trees during the spring allowing for reduced watering in the summer, ensuring there are no leaks in your yard or dripping taps in your house.

We have several more months to accumulate snow, so keep up the snow dances and let’s hope this recent cold snap is joined by more of that fluffy white stuff.

Check out the following sites for more information:

The BC Government publishes a monthly Province Wide Snow Report with this first one out in January. Our lower snow pack was anticipated as BC is experiencing a strong El Nino presence, anticipated to be returning to a more neutral state this spring. With a more neutral influence, we expect to see temperatures also returning to more normal conditions.

The two snow monitoring stations used in the Boundary snow estimate are Grano Creek and Monashee Pass.

The 3 month forecast for both Temperature and Precipitation shows that we should continue to expect higher than normal temperatures for the remaining winter months, but no clear information on what to expect for snow levels.