Spring freshet risk low

The province’s latest Snow Survey and Water Supply bulletin has some good news on the flooding front, and not-so-good news on the drought front.

With the provincial snowpack averaging 66% of normal, there is little chance of spring flooding this year.

“Due to the low snow conditions, below normal spring freshet flood hazard is expected this season,” the report says.

Atlin is the only region above normal, with a snowpack 114% of normal. The Skagit sits at 30%, while the South Coast is at 40% and Vancouver Island at 46% of normal.

However, 80% of the province’s annual snowpack has accumulated by early March. This means farmers on Vancouver Island face a continuation of last summer’s historic drought.

The province says months of sustained rainfall are needed to recharge aquifers and ensure adequate water this summer, but the first half of the month offered a ray of hope.

“When I look up at the [Comox] glacier, I see a ton of snow up there,” says rancher Brad Chappell of Heart of the Valley Farm on the Tsolum River in Courtenay.

Speaking last week, Chappell said 37mm of rain fell at his farm. The precipitation landed as snow at higher elevations, with the Mount Washington ski resort reporting 57cm of snowfall on March 11-12.

“My gut feeling is that we are not going to see another summer like last year, that was what? A once in 75 year occasion?” Chappell says. “I think we have been wetter this winter, certainly compared to last year. “

Chappell’s optimism runs counter to some of the short-term and reactive thinking at play when people consider water supplies. Often, it’s disconnected from on-farm realities.

“We used to make hay in June, but it has been too wet recently, so people forget that,” he notes. “I’m hoping for one of those nice springs with some showers to ease into the summer.”