Despite rainfall over the past several weeks, streamflows in the northern and central regions of the province continue to decline.

As a result, the Upper Fraser East, Nechako and Peace regions are being elevated from drought Level 2, dry, to drought Level 3, very dry. The Northwest, Upper Fraser West, Middle Fraser and the Central Coast regions are all currently at drought Level 3. The Stikine and Skeena-Nass regions remain at drought Level 4, extremely dry.

If freeze-up in these regions takes places before the streams are recharged, there is a risk of drought continuing into the next year.

Photo Credit: Screen grab provincial government

While cooler weather in these regions has improved stream temperatures and reduced stress on fish populations, continued very low streamflows can cause fish stranding and inhibit fall spawning species, including salmon and bull trout, from reaching spawning locations.

Level 3 droughts call for voluntary water-use reduction from surface-water and groundwater users including municipal, agricultural and industrial users.

If voluntary reductions of water are not sufficient enough, the ministry may consider regulating water usage.