Low snowpack spurs drought concerns on Vancouver Island

The B.C. government has published its latest drought and water scarcity bulletin, reflecting conditions as of June 4.

East Vancouver Island is rated at Level 4 on the province’s drought severity scale, with Level 5 being the most severe. The region stretches from Campbell River through the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley and Victoria.

West Vancouver Island is rated at Level 2 and includes areas such as Port Renfrew, Ucluelet and Tofino. The South Coast, which includes the Sunshine Coast, is also rated at Level 2.

“Many streams across the south coast and Vancouver Island are lower than normal for this time of year, with some systems continuing to experience rising water temperatures,” the report said.

The bulletin added that several communities across Vancouver Island are developing water supply contingency plans.

In the province’s latest snow conditions and water supply bulletin, released June 1, Vancouver Island’s snowpack was reported at zero per cent of its seasonal average, while the South Coast was at 14 per cent. Forecasters said low snowpack levels are contributing to drought concerns in southern B.C.

– Article includes links to B.C . government’s Drought and Water Scarcity Bulletin (June 4, 2026) and Snow Conditions and Water Supply Bulletin (June 1, 2026)

Wylie Henderson
Wylie Henderson
Wylie is news director for Vancouver Island, bringing more than a decade of broadcast experience to the role. A Vancouver native, he moved to the Island in 2025 with his wife and stepdaughter after a long run on the airwaves in the Kootenays. He is committed to delivering timely, reliable and community-focused news to listeners across the region. A lifelong Vancouver Canucks and B.C. Lions fan, Wylie is just as comfortable breaking down a game as he is breaking down a news story. Away from the newsroom, he can often be found on the golf course, cycling or lacing up his skates for a game of hockey. For Wylie, keeping listeners informed about what matters locally is more than a job, it’s a passion.

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