Boundary Region Drought Conditions and Updates
Date: June 8, 2023
Kristina Anderson, RDKB Watershed Planner
With the shift from weather pattern La Nina, cooler and wetter conditions, to El Nino known for hot and dry conditions, the forecast for the Boundary Region is for high temperatures (temp) this summer and that we should prepare for drought and increased wildfire potential. As stream water levels drop after the spring melt, the time is now to prepare for, what could be, a summer with restricted water access. This could include ensure trees are deeply watered, planting more FireSmart approved shade trees, increasing your areas that are drought tolerant and taking the time now to establish these plants, setting up your drip irrigation lines, identifying and preparing areas for reduced/no irrigation during the later summer months, etc. The time is now to prepare for what could be a very dry summer ahead.
The spring melt started early this year due to recent hot weather, and now water levels are lower than normal. If hot temps continue without enough rain to recharge our creeks the Boundary Region may see drought conditions much sooner than previous years. With the current rise in ocean temperatures, comparisons are being made to conditions experienced in 2015, with some reports saying it could be worse.
To read the report in its entirety, click here.
Thanks Kristina Anderson, RDKB Watershed Planner, for a super informative report.