Category Archives: Local Conditions

Conditions-Sept19,2024

Boundary Region Drought Updates, Drought Updates

Yay for rain! Thanks to the rain last weekend and earlier this month, we’re happy to report that water levels in the Bdry are within a normal range for this time of year. However, with continued warm daytime temps, drying conditions persist and the Provincial drought levels remain at 3 (impacts possible) for the Kettle River and level 2 (impacts unlikely) for the Okanagan River. Of the Kettle River’s 5 sub-basins, West Kettle, Upper Kettle and Granby are at drought level 3, while Middle Kettle and Lower Kettle are at level 2. (www.droughtportal.gov.bc.ca)

Water temperatures in the main rivers are also cooling (below 20’C over a 24hr period), providing a much-needed relief for the fish population.

What’s next?

Environment Canada is forecasting warmer than normal temperatures for October and November, and for a La Nina winter, which usually correlates to cooler and wetter conditions. We will know more in a few months😊!

Shorter Term: (www.meteologix.com/ca): Warmer weather is expected to return in a week, with minimal rain ahead (though we might see a few showers on Sunday).

As the irrigation season starts to wind down and high water use decreases, it’s still important to stay mindful of water conservation. Now is a good time to check for and fix leaks as we get ready for the cooler fall nights ahead.

Conditions- Aug24, 2024

Boundary Region Drought Updates, Drought Updates

Rain relief in the Boundary! Over the past 24hrs, Grand Forks has received 16mm of much needed rain – and it’s still coming down. A welcome break from the dry conditions we’ve ben experiencing. Fire Danger rating is ranging from low to high (BC Wildfire) within the region, with the Provincial Drought Code holding at Level 3 (BC DroughtPortal). The radar is showing this rain event covering the Boundary Region – is it accurate? Has anyone in the Boundary not seen rain in the last 24 hours? Let us know

Looking ahead: Hot and dry conditions are expected to return, with temps in the 30’s (‘C) by the start of September. Forecasts shown below for Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Rock Creek and Big White (Meteologix.com). This rain is already making a difference, working to increase our river water levels to more normal conditions for this time of year. We’re hoping this steady rain will soak in enough to cushion the impact as the heat returns.

Stay informed!

Conditions – Aug15,2024

Boundary Region Drought Updates, Drought Updates

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].

Questions, please contact [email protected]

Conditions – Jul26,2024

Boundary Region Drought Updates, Drought Updates

Drought Condition Update – the situation has worsened

Drought Level 3 West Kettle, Upper Kettle River, Granby River watersheds & Okanagan River watersheds. Remaining at Drought Level 2 for Lower and Mid Kettle watersheds. View details at: droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/

Recent weeks have seen a sharp drop in water levels and a rise in water temperatures. The Province has increased the drought level for the Okanagan River watersheds and 3 of the 5 Kettle River sub-watersheds. https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/

If you have a BC water license located in a watershed currently at Drought Level 3, you will likely received a letter from the Province recommending you reduce your water use. If you get your water from a service provider (ie. municipality or water users community) they will inform you of any restrictions or requirements that need to be followed.

Conditions – Jul22,2024

Boundary Region Drought Updates, Drought Updates, Uncategorized

This past weekend brought continued high temperatures across the Boundary, making this morning’s sound of rain especially refreshing. Understanding that lightning can accompany rain storms, we are now watching for potential lightning strikes.

Water levels continue to drop rapidly, falling below normal levels for this time of year. Grateful for the cool, wet spring we experienced only a few weeks ago.

Be prepared for continued drying conditions across the Boundary, as minimal rain is forecasted for the upcoming week. Let’s hope this morning’s rain lingers a bit longer.

The following sites help monitor lightning strikes and storm conditions.