Greater Vernon Water (GVW) is tracking the latest climate information to help predict water supply levels for the coming year. Readings were taken February 1, 2012 at three monitoring stations near the Duteau Creek Water Reservoirs. These readings show the snow water equivalent, or water content of the snow, at 98% of average or about normal for this time of year. GVW also tracks snow depth and found levels to be at 88% of average.

GVW is working with the BC River Forecast Centre to track regional climate and snow pack trends. Their February 2012 Report is expected Wednesday, February 8, 2012 and GVW will be issuing a follow up media release with an analysis of the monthly snow pack trends this year. The Wednesday media release will also include the regional climate forecast from the BC River Forecast Centre, indicating the weather trends that may affect our 2012 snowpack levels, as well as additional information on the Okanagan Basin, which affects our Kalamalka Lake water source.

GVW will continue to monitor climate trends and water supplies as we near the summer peak water use season. Updates will be reported as they are received via media releases, in the Sunday editions of the Vernon Morning Star newspaper, and also online at www.rdno.ca/water.