The Okanagan has been bumped to drought level three due to recent dry conditions that have decreased the flow of creeks and rivers across the region.
Level three means adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are possible.
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) says dry conditions are expected to continue with little to no rain in the forecast over the coming days.
“While the Okanagan regional drought level had showed short-term improvement a few weeks ago, warm water temperatures and low flows continued to be a concerning trend,” the OBWB said.
“This current level is more reflective of the on-the-ground conditions being observed.”
This is a significant increase from about a month ago when the Okanagan basin, which stretches from Armstrong south to Osoyoos, was sitting at drought level one.
Meanwhile, neighbouring basins continue to see severe drought conditions.
In mid-August, the Similkameen and Nicola basins were sitting at drought levels four and three, respectively.
Both remain at those levels of drought.
Level four drought is the second highest ranking and means adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are likely.
“Many streamflow stations on the Similkameen are recording their lowest values ever for this time of year,” the OBWB said in their news release.
To the north, basins in the Shuswap region are also seeing negative impacts from drought conditions.
Although the South Thompson basin, which feeds the Shuswap area, is at level one drought, the province has introduced additional protection measures.
“Due to dangerously low flow conditions on the Salmon River and Bessette Creek, the province has issued temporary fish protection orders for both systems,” the OBWB said.
The OWBW warns that with little to no rain in the forecast, drought conditions may worsen.
Residents across the Okanagan are asked to continue practicing water conservation to support farmers, firefighters and fish migration.
Thumbnail photo credit: OBWB file picture
