Central Okanagan

Okanagan Snowcaps March 11, 2013

Photo: Contributed - David Cooper

Okanagan Snowcaps

Photo: Contributed - David Cooper

Okanagan Snowcaps

Photo: Contributed - David Cooper

Okanagan Snowcaps

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A higher than normal snow pack in the hills and mountains throughout the Okanagan could mean a higher than normal flood risk, according to officials at the BC River Forecast Centre.

The March 1 snow survey shows the snow pack in the Okanagan-Kettle basin is at 115 per cent of normal.

A higher than normal snow pack indicates that higher than normal freshet runoff could occur within the region.

Officials caution that snow pack is just one element that influences whether or not flooding occurs during the spring runoff.

"Of critical importance is how the snow melts and how much precipitation is received during the snow melt period. Therefore, weather during the melt season is the key driver that determines if flooding will occur or not," the report states.

Over the past four years the Okanagan-Kettle basin has reported a snow pack of less than 90 per cent of normal.