B.C. snowpack levels close to normal, well ahead of 2024 totals, says forecast centre

Snowpack levels in British Columbia are closer to normal this winter after reaching record lows last year, according to the B.C. River Forecast Centre. 

In its first snow survey and water basin bulletin of 2025, the centre said that on Jan. 1 the snowpack across B.C. was averaging 87 per cent of normal. 

Jonathan Boyd, a hydrologist with the B.C. River Forecast Centre, said the numbers are a marked improvement from 2024 when snowpack levels in April were the lowest since records started being kept in 1970.

"That's just tremendous news compared to last year," Boyd said. "Last year it was 56 per cent of normal for Jan. 1 and right off the bat there were extreme concerns for the potential for drought into the spring, summer and fall."

The highest snowpack levels in the province were found on Vancouver Island and in the Boundary and Lower Thompson regions, all of which had accumulations in the range of 115 to 133 per cent of normal.

The lowest levels were found in Nechako and Similkameen regions — which were below 70 per cent of normal — and the Central Coast, which was at 54 per cent.

The centre noted that regions with normal to above normal snowpack levels have an increased risk for flooding related to spring snowmelt, especially if conditions related to the La Niña weather pattern persist. Areas with below normal snowpacks show concerns for drought conditions in the spring and summer. 

Boyd noted that levels in the range of 85 to 95 per cent of normal are ideal for lowering the province's overall hazard risk.

The centre said seasonal snowpacks can still change significantly based on weather patterns through the remainder of the season.  

Early signs suggest January may see a drop in the snowpack later in the month, Boyd said. 

"We are trending downward just by how dry it's been to start the month," he said. "That's not to say that we can't catch up."

Mild temperatures swept through much of the province last month, but Environment and Climate Change Canada warning preparedness meteorologist Armel Castellan told CBC News earlier this week that B.C. could dip to seasonal temperatures starting around Jan. 19.