Spring has sprung, and water levels are starting to rise as the snow level drops. Read on to see how our current water levels compare to previous years. Spoiler Alert: we are experiencing water levels higher than normal for this time of year, with some reaching levels typically seen during a normal spring melt (freshet). Snow levels are decreasing quickly at some stations, bringing the high snow level station to a more average level. The Provincial snow report for April2025 describes the snow levels in the Boundary Region as normal for this time of year.

With local temperature remaining warm, reaching highs between 10-15°C over the next week and minimal precipitation expected, it’s a good time to access local conditions.

Many rivers and streams in the Boundary region experienced a sudden rise due to recent warm weather and rain.  Below is the hydrograph for the Granby and Kettle River (south of Midway).

Province produces a monthly snow report (April 2025), indicating snow levels in the Boundary Region are overall normal for this time of year, an assessment based on 4 monitoring stations (Figure 3 and 5). As we know, snow levels vary across the region and with elevations changes. South of Grand Forks at Sentinel Butte, it’s snow levels are dropping to more typical levels; along with the Grano monitoring station, located in the upper Kettle River watershed, also within a normal range (Figure 4). With the lower elevations stations (Carmi and Monashee Pass) are slightly lower than normal for this time of year.

Environment Canada forecasts a warmer than normal spring for the Boundary region, with the potential for drier conditions (Figure 7). Temperature Probabilistic Forecasts

As we transition into the spring melt period (freshet), here are some useful resources to monitor:

1. RDKB Emergency Operations: The Boundary Region Dashboard is now being updated, offering an overview of freshet conditions across the region. emergency.rdkb.com/
2. River Forecast Centre (CLEVER) provides water level forecasts for 10 rivers throughout the Boundary Region.

Welcome to the first week of spring – and snow! If you are curious about how our snow and river water levels are doing, read on.

With local temperature expected to reach between 10-15°C in the next few days and more precipitation by Thursday, it’s a good time to look at local conditions.

Most of the main river in the Boundary are showing normal water level for this time of year.

Snow levels, as a percentage of normal, vary across the region and with elevations. South of Grand Forks, at Sentinel Butte, levels are higher than normal. The upper Kettle River watershed, measured at Grano Creek station, is in the normal range. However some of our lower elevations and the stations to the west and north show lower-than-normal for this time of year.

The River Forecast Centre produces a monthly snow report for the province, which shows the March 1st snow level (snow water equivalency) for the Boundary Region at 86% of normal (with 100% being normal). This percentage is based on data from only two BC snow monitoring stations. We hope the April review (posted April 12) can include data from more stations.

Environment Canada anticipates a slightly warmer spring for the Boundary region, with no clear forecast for the spring precipitation levels. As the El Niño/La Niña (ENSO) climate pattern shifts from a La Niña in the winter months to a more neutral state, we expect temperature and precipitation levels closer to normal for the time of year.