Water levels in reservoirs around Summerland, British Columbia, have reached record lows, causing concerns for the local salmon population, according to a district official. The community escalated to Drought Level 4 in November, marking one of the highest drought levels. Recent drone footage of the Thirsk Dam and Reservoir, shared by the Okanagan Basin Water Board, revealed significantly reduced water levels compared to usual. Jeremy Storvold, the District of Summerland’s utilities director, highlighted the drastic decrease, mentioning that the reservoirs have not been this low since the 1980s.
Storvold emphasized the urgent need for more water, stating that the current levels are only a fraction of what is typically present at this time of year. He pointed out that all dams and reservoirs in the district are experiencing similar low levels. The decision to elevate to drought Level 4 grants the council the authority to regulate Trout Creek’s water flow. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes acknowledged that the region is susceptible to drought conditions despite having dams.
Under Level 4 restrictions, activities like lawn watering and exterior washing are prohibited to conserve water. Storvold emphasized the importance of early awareness about the dry conditions, highlighting the necessity of snow cover in the watershed for future water reserves. He expressed optimism that a significant snowfall or spring rain event could positively impact the situation, with a clearer understanding expected by the end of June.
Elinor McGrath, a fisheries biologist at Okanagan Nation Alliance, noted the potential impact of the drought on salmon populations. She stressed the need to maintain adequate water levels from September to March or April for successful salmon spawning. McGrath referenced last year’s salmon run, which was affected by similar drought conditions. She expressed hope for improved conditions to sustain various salmon species and other wildlife in Trout Creek.
