B.C. Snowpack Levels Near Normal, Marked Improvement Over Last Year, Says Forecast Centre

British Columbia’s snowpack levels are close to normal this winter, providing a stark contrast to the record-low levels recorded in 2024, according to the B.C. River Forecast Centre.

In its first snow survey and water basin bulletin of 2025, the centre reported that snowpack levels across the province averaged 87% of normal on Jan. 1.

"That's just tremendous news compared to last year," said Jonathan Boyd, a hydrologist with the centre. "Last year, it was 56 per cent of normal for Jan. 1, and right off the bat, there were extreme concerns for the potential for drought into the spring, summer, and fall."

Regional Snowpack Variation

• Above Normal: The Vancouver Island, Boundary, and Lower Thompson regions reported the highest snowpack levels, ranging from 115% to 133% of normal.

• Below Normal: The Nechako and Similkameen regions had snowpacks below 70% of normal, while the Central Coast recorded the lowest levels at 54% of normal.

The centre cautioned that regions with normal to above-normal snowpacks could face an increased risk of spring flooding, especially if La Niña weather patterns persist. Conversely, areas with below-average snowpacks remain vulnerable to drought conditions in the spring and summer.

Ideal Conditions and Trends

Boyd said snowpack levels between 85% and 95% of normal are ideal for minimizing risks of flooding or drought.

However, he added that snowpack levels could change significantly depending on weather patterns over the remainder of the season.

"We are trending downward just by how dry it's been to start the month," Boyd said. "That's not to say that we can't catch up."

Mild temperatures swept through much of B.C. in December, but Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan predicts a return to seasonal temperatures starting around Jan. 19.

Outlook for 2025

The centre will continue monitoring snowpack conditions closely, as seasonal variations and La Niña patterns could still impact water resource management, drought preparedness, and flood risk across the province.