After a very hot July, we have started seeing some relief with slightly cooler temperatures. This has helped both slow down the drop in our river water levels as well as lower the water temperatures –which is very needed for the fish. The Province has maintained the BC Drought code at Level 3 (out of 5) for the Kettle and Okanagan watersheds, asking everyone to reduce water use where possible. RDKB’s drought response plan includes recommendation on actions to take during these drying times.

What does this mean for us in the Boundary? Many of our monitored rivers are showing water levels comparable to 2023, lower than 2022, but higher than in 2021 and 2015. Expectedly, our rivers and streams continue to warm, as water temperature is well correlated to air temp. This is important because rainbow trout can become temperature stressed when water is over 20’C for more than a 24 hr period, shifting to potential lethal if over 25’C, (over a 24hr period). In most cases, when the water depth is sufficient, fish can find cooler refuge at groundwater seeps or in deeper pools. Regarding groundwater, there are 3 local observation wells, showing water levels ranging from normal (Beaverdell) to below normal (Grand Forks). Looking ahead, the fall forecast is for continued warmer and drier compared to normal conditions.

Have you been tracking your groundwater levels over multiple years? The RDKB would be interested in hearing how your readings compare to the nearest observation well. Please email [email protected].

• ECCC Forecasts: weather.gc.ca/saisons/prob_e.html
• BC Drought Code and Groundwater water levels: https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca
• RDKB Drought Response Plan: rdkb.com/Environment/Watershed-Planning

Questions, please contact [email protected]