Snow pack levels in British Columbia are higher than normal this year.
The Jan. 1 snow survey and water supply bulletin, which was issued on Jan. 9, showed the province’s snow pack is at 107 per cent of its normal levels.
One year earlier, on Jan. 1, 2025, the provincial average was 87 per cent of normal.
The information from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship showed the snow pack in the South Coast basin was 67 per cent of normal, and on Vancouver Island, it was 58 per cent of normal. However, the Central Coast was at 160 per cent of normal, the Similkameen was at 146 per cent of normal and the Nechako region was at 143 per cent of normal.
In 2025, no other region in British Columbia spent as long under Drought Level 4 conditions as the Similkameen.
The snow report says early-season snowfall in October, followed by snow accumulation into November, set the tone for the provincial snow pack figures. In December, storm systems were observed across the province, including atmospheric river events. Early January has also had moderate storms.
The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a La Niña Advisory for this winter. In British Columbia, La Niña conditions often result in above normal snow pack levels.
In addition, above-normal temperatures are expected from January to March for Vancouver Island and the southernmost parts of the province, while the northeast and Peace regions are expected to have below-normal temperatures.
By early January, nearly half of the province’s annual mountain snow pack has accumulated. However, snow accumulations can still change as the winter progresses.
The BC River Forecast Centre will continue to monitor snow pack conditions, with additional information throughout the winter.