There’s lots of white stuff in the hills but that may not translate into lots of water this summer in Greater Vernon.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre reports there is above normal snowpack in the region, but there is also the possibility that weather patterns could impact snow levels.
“It’s still too early,” said Dale McTaggart, the Regional District of North Okanagan’s general manager of engineering.
Among the factors that could impact snowfall and water supply are a dry spring and summer and a rapid melt.
“There are a lot of variables,” said McTaggart.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre suggests there could be warmer than normal spring temperatures.
“That could result in an early start to the irrigation system and an increase in water demands,” states a GVW release.
“GVW will continue to monitor reservoir levels, snowpack and climate forecasts weekly to determine whether a change in restriction stage is warranted.”
A testing site upstream of Grizzly Reservoir has a snow depth of about 70 centimetres while a site in the same area is at about 55 centimetres. The snow depth near Edwin Lake is at about 60 centimetres.