Winter Conditions Update: Osoyoos Lake levels likely to remain low due to dry conditions
The water levels in Osoyoos Lake have reached historic lows due to dry conditions within the Okanagan basin. The lake level is currently 909.12 ft, which is the lowest on record (Figure 1). Water levels are likely to remain low until more water enters the Okanagan River system. Osoyoos Lake operators are monitoring conditions closely and plan to maintain the current lake level at, or near, 909.1 ft. This level complies with the International Joint Commission’s Orders for Osoyoos Lake, which establish allowable lake levels.
Figure 1: Water year 2026 (bright green) and water year 2025 (dark green) Osoyoos Lake Levels, along with allowable range under the normal rule curve defined by the International Joint Commission Orders of Approval for Osoyoos Lake (solid black). Expanded drought Conditions rule curve (red dashed). For the period of record from 1987-2025, the mean daily lake level is shown as a black line, and the historical gauged minimum, 10th, 25th, 75th, 90th, and historical gauged maximum lake levels are shaded grey (USGS, IOLBC 2026).
Below Normal Snowpack in the Okanagan Basin
This has been a dry winter in the Okanagan Basin, with below-normal snow accumulation. Snowpack in the Okanagan Basin is at 67% of normal, according to British Columbia’s February 1st Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin. Much of the snowpack accumulated in December and early January before a period of warmer and drier weather led to snowmelt at lower elevations. As a result, flows in the Okanagan River are lower than normal, and models forecast a continued risk of reduced seasonal runoff. Upstream of Osoyoos Lake, Okanagan Lake is at a lower-than-normal water level. Okanagan Lake serves as a major water storage location, and operators are actively balancing the need to hold water for summer use while serving downstream needs.
Figure 2: Osoyoos Lake levels are at historic lows, as seen in this photo from the Town of Osoyoos Boat Launch. Credit: Marg Coulson, Town of Osoyoos.
Looking Ahead
Residents should plan for lake levels to remain low for the foreseeable future (Figure 2). The Osoyoos Lake operator is maintaining lake levels at, or near, 909.1 ft until more water begins entering the lake. Historically, this occurs in late February; however, given this year’s low snowpack, more water may not be available until later in the spring. The spring freshet typically occurs in April, when snowmelt and rainfall lead to increased runoff in the Okanagan River.
The International Joint Commission’s Osoyoos Lake Board of Control will continue to monitor hydrologic conditions and communicate with lake operators and the public.
For real-time updates on Osoyoos Lake levels, please visit the U.S. Geological Survey web page for Osoyoos Lake.
Contacts
Sarah Dunn, U.S. Secretary
Martin Suchy, Canadian Secretary
International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control
To contact the board by email, use the Contact form on the board’s website.
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