Above average snowpack found in Greater Vernon drainage area

Morning Star Published: May 07, 2012 7:00 AM 
It appears that Greater Vernon will have sufficient water this summer. Snowpack readings near the Duteau Creek reservoirs indicate above average snow accumulation in March. “These readings show the snow-water equivalent, or water content of the snow, at 117 to 134 per cent of average for this time of year,” said Jennifer Miles, water sustainability co-ordinator with the Regional District of North Okanagan. Snow depth was also investigated and it’s at 135 per cent of average. The B.C. River Forecast Centre reports that snowpack levels are at normal levels for both the Okanagan-Kettle Basin (104 per cent of normal), which includes the Kalamalka Lake water source, and the South Thompson Basin (106 per cent of normal), covering the Duteau Creek water reservoirs. “This is an improvement over readings of 88 and 97 per cent of normal taken in March,” said Miles. “While being close to average, Greater Vernon Water will continue to closely monitor these levels as snowpack levels play an important role in supplying water to fill our reservoirs during spring melt. Cooler temperatures are predicted for May, indicating a slow snow melt period and even possible continued snow accumulation.” Water reservoir levels are also currently being monitored. As of April 2, the Duteau Creek reservoirs were at 10,725 megalitres or 110 per cent of average. “For comparison, 2.5 megalitres would fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool,” said Miles. “Greater Vernon Water will continue to monitor climate trends and water supplies to keep customers informed as we near the summer peak water use season.”