The Okanagan's snowpack is slightly above normal, which is a big improvement from 2024

The first snowpack numbers of 2025 are in and are showing that levels are "slightly" below normal across BC but above normal in the Okanagan.

According to the data released Thursday, the provincial snowpack is averaging 87% of normal, or 13% normal levels.

This is a great improvement from this time last year when the provincial snowpack levels were at 56% of normal, or 44% below normal levels.

The Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin, which uses data collected on Jan.1, showed that the Okanagan basin is sitting slightly above normal levels at 102%.

Last January, the Okanagan was at 60% of normal levels, or 40% below normal.

However, 2023 saw much higher values with the Okanagan hitting 135% of normal levels, or 35% above the normal level of snow expected in early January.

The bulletin said typical fall storms affected the coast while temperatures were slightly above normal in the Southern Interior but near seasonal across the rest of the province in October and November.

“Generally, precipitation was near normal for the start of the water year,” the data said.

December was a warmer month in BC but the upcoming seven-day forecast shows the likelihood of moderate storm systems arriving, particularly along the northern coast.

The bulletin said regions with normal to above normal levels have an increased risk for spring snowmelt related flooding and areas with below normal levels could show early concerns for drought.

However, there are still several months for snow to accumulate in mountain ranges across BC.

According to the bulletin, nearly half of the annual BC snowpack typically accumulates by early January but there are still several months for snow to accumulate in mountain ranges across BC.

That means the snowpack can still change significantly, the bulletin added.

The next snowpack update is expected by Feb. 10 or 11.

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