Drought conditions across southeast British Columbia have improved slightly, with recent rainfall helping to stabilize water levels in the region.
According to the latest data from B.C.’s Water Management Branch, released July 10, most of the region is now classified at Level 2 or 3 on the provincial drought scale, which ranges from 0 (normal) to 5 (exceptionally dry).
The Elk-Flathead Valleys, Upper Columbia, and Upper Arrow Lakes are currently sitting at Level 2.
Showing a notable improvement from a month earlier on June 10, when the Elk-Flathead area was at Level 5—classified as “Extreme.”
Since drought monitoring began in mid-May, the southeast’s ratings have generally between Level 1 and 2.
Province-wide, just over half of all areas are now classified at Level 2, with no regions currently rated above Level 3.
Despite the recent rainfall, the region remains vulnerable due to a record-low snowpack.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre’s final measurements of the season, taken June 15, showed snowpack levels at zero percent of normal in both the Kootenay and Columbia mountain ranges.
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