Skip to content

Less than normal spring run-off forecast for Columbia Basin

Forecast can vary at any time subject to weather patterns, load requirements and treaty provisions
15287822_web1_190125-TDT-M-river
The Columbia River rose by almost three feet this past week. (Guy Bertrand photo)

The current forecast runoff this spring is 89 per cent of normal, according to BC Hydro’s most recent data.

For the same period in 2018 the observed runoff - which is influenced by snowpack, inflow levels and weather patterns - was 116 per cent of normal.

The Arrow Lakes Reservoir is presently (Jan. 25) at about 430 metres, or 1411.0 feet, measured at the Fauquier gauge. The reservoir drafted by 0.85 metres, or 2.8 feet, in the past week.

Related story here: River rising in Trail

The reservoir is forecast to refill to reach about 430.7 metres (1413 feet) by the end of February.

“Note, however, that near and long-term forecasting is inherently uncertain,” explains BC Hydro’s Mary Anne Coules. “Due to the unpredictability of future events and conditions.”

The Arrow Lakes Reservoir reached its last maximum level of 439.73 metres, which nears 1443 feet or 1.3 feet from full, on July 13, 2018.

Its latest minimum elevation of 429.2 metres, or 1408 feet, was recorded last year on March 28.

On Friday, measured at the dam, the Duncan Reservoir was at 561 metres or 1840.8 feet.

The reservoir drafted by 1.96 metres (6.4 feet) in the past week, Coules said.

“The reservoir is forecast to draft to reach about 552.3 metres (1812 feet) by the end of February.”

The Duncan Reservoir reached its last maximum level of 1891.7 feet on August 1 last year, and its latest minimum elevation of 1794.9 feet on April 19, 2018.

Reservoir levels can be viewed 24/7 on BC Hydro’s website.

Click here: water flows and reservoir levels



newsroom@trailtimes.ca

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter



Sheri Regnier

About the Author: Sheri Regnier

Read more