Water levels mostly back to normal

Streamflow and drought conditions.

by Ministry of Environment.

Environment Minister Barry Penner confirmed today that recent rainfall has resulted in improved river levels in some regions of British Columbia.

Most rivers on the South Coast and Southern Interior are at normal levels. With the exception of the upper Columbia region, rivers in the Kootenays are also normal.

The only region still classified as a Drought Level 3 (very dry conditions) is the Peace, where most streams remain at below-average levels. The Skeena-Nass region has been downgraded from a Drought Level 3 to a 2 (dry conditions), but the Bulkley and Nechako rivers are both still low. Fortune Creek in the Southern Interior continues to be low as well.

While Penner thanks British Columbians for conserving water over the summer, he encourages residents to continue conservation measures in regions where individual streams are still low and fish populations need sufficient water flows to allow for successful spawning.

Streamflow Conditions:

In the Peace region, rainfall during August and the beginning of September improved river levels in most areas, and all streams are now above their record minimum levels. The Halfway, Kiskatinaw and Osilinka rivers are at 10- to 20-year low flows, while the Moberly River remains below 20-year low flows.

After receiving less than average rainfall for June and July, Fort Nelson received above- normal rainfall for August. As a result, the Liard River has improved from near record low flows in mid-August to a five-year low flow for the current date.

In the Skeena-Nass region, a frontal system during the first week of September brought sufficient rainfall to bring Nass River levels to normal and improve the Skeena River at Usk to a five-year return period low flow. The Bulkley River at Quick remains between a 10- and 20-year return period flows. The Nechako River is also quite low.

On the Central Coast, river levels range from above median (Salloomt River) to five- to 10-year return period low flows (Bella Coola and Klinaklini rivers).

In the Central Interior, average precipitation in August and early September has improved river levels in the Cariboo region (Quesnel River at Quesnel and Horsefly rivers) to five- to 10-year return period low flows. In the Upper Fraser, river levels continue to be at five- to 10-year return period low flows.

In the Southern Interior, the Thompson, Similkameen and Okanagan area streams are generally between median and five-year return period low flows. In the Kootenay and lower Columbia areas, streamflow conditions are generally between median and five-year return period low flows. However, in the upper Columbia region, some river levels have demonstrated a steeper drop, falling to 10-year return period low flows, and in some cases to near record lows (Columbia River at Donald and Kicking Horse River).

On Vancouver Island, most river levels are normal for this time of year.

On the South Coast mainland, most streams are between median and five-year low flows. However, some streams in the Howe Sound area have fallen to 10- to 20-year return period flows (Elaho and Squamish rivers).

Drought Level Conditions:

The Peace region has now been classified as a Drought Level 3 (very dry) due to recent precipitation and current stream flows. The Skeena-Nass region is classified as a Drought Level 2 (dry). Potential for effects on fish and aquatic organisms due to low stream flows are still possible in these regions. Monitoring of stream flows and fish populations is ongoing.

The upper Columbia region has been classified as a Drought Level 2, similar to the upper and middle Fraser River areas, as well as the mid-coastal area. All other regions are now classified as normal (Drought Level 1) for this time of year.

For additional information on water supply and streamflow conditions, go to: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/bulletins/

For more information on drought conditions and the BC Drought Response Plan, go to: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/public_safety/drought_info

Living Water Smart: B.C.’s Water Plan outlines the government’s vision and plan to keep B.C.’s water healthy and secure for the future. For more information, go to: http://www.livingwatersmart.ca/

Victoria
September 17, 2010
Ministry of Environment
2010ENV0059-001094