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Columbia Basin run-off 85 per cent of normal: BC Hydro

2025 forecast predicts 85 per cent of normal runoff, factors like snowpack levels, precipitation, temperature, and climate patterns all affect this projection.
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Reservoir levels in the Lower Columbia region are fluctuating as forecasted, with changes expected in the coming weeks, according to the latest BC Hydro report.

• Arrow Lakes Reservoir is currently at 423 metres (1388 feet), having dropped 1.12 metres (3.7 feet) over the past week. It is projected to rise to 427 metres (1401 feet) by the end of February. 

• Duncan Reservoir stands at 558 metres (1832 feet), decreasing 1.72 metres (5.7 feet) in the last week. It is expected to drop further to 554 metres (1818 feet) by the end of February.

• Kootenay Lake remains stable at 531 metres (1743 feet) with no significant changes anticipated. 

According to BC Hydro, the April–September 2025 runoff forecast for the Columbia Basin at The Dalles, Oregon is 85 per cent of normal, up from 74 per cent in 2024.

Reservoir levels are influenced by snowpack, inflows, weather patterns, and power demand.

The Dalles, Oregon, is a key reference point for water runoff predictions in the Columbia River Basin.

Located along the Columbia River, it serves as a crucial measurement site for estimating the April to September water supply outlook in the basin.

The Dalles' runoff forecast helps hydrologists and water managers predict water availability, influencing reservoir operations, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation planning, and flood risk assessments.

(The Dalles is pronounced "dalz," rhyming with gals or pals.)



Sheri Regnier

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