From time to time, we report on the snow water equivalent (SWE) in zones we like to tour. Some data is more readily available than others. In British Columbia, a vast province stretching from the coast to the Rockies, the province releases a snow survey and water supply bulletin each month. These reports discuss data collected from the first of one month to the first of the next—they are made public around mid-month. The latest bulletin was published last week and covers the period between Jan. 1 and Feb. 1.
From a snow quantity standpoint, and let’s go out on a limb and state quality, too, BC has fared well this winter. According to the report, last season at the same date benchmark (Feb. 1), BC’s snow stations were at 72% of average. A year later, on Feb. 1, 2026, the data indicate that the basin is at 96% of average, 4% below normal. This is generally good news, as the report states that by this date, two-thirds of BC’s annual snowfall has already accumulated. This is another way of stating that, over the next two to three months, the region typically accumulates more snow.
For those keeping track of their powder days up north, you likely noticed some sustained high pressure with an accompanying lack of snow. On January first, the province had 107% of its average snowpack—so, in total, there’s been an 11% decrease since then.
