Summerland’s snow measurements show considerably less snow and water than in previous years.
The most recent measurements, taken Jan. 1, showed a snow depth of 360 millimetres at Summerland Reservoir. This is the equivalent of 64 millimetres of water, or 58 per cent of the historical average water equivalent, measured over 61 years. The historical average water equivalent for that site is 111 millimetres of water on Jan. 1.
At Isintok Lake, the snow depth on Jan. 1 was 300 millimetres, or the equivalent of 71 millimetres of water.
This is 88 per cent of the historical average of 81 millimetres of water, measured over 60 years.
A year ago, both the Summerland measurement sites had considerably more snow.
On Jan. 1, 2023, Summerland Reservoir had 870 millimetres of snow, or the equivalent of 212 millimetres of water. This was 189 per cent of normal for that date.
Isintok Lake had a snow depth of 470 millimetres, or the equivalent of 122 millimetres of water. This was 151 per cent of the historical average for the site.
Snow measurements at the two sites west of Summerland are taken at the beginning of the month from January to May, and then twice a month until the snowpack has melted.
In 2023, the snowpack was above average at both locations throughout the winter and spring.