On February 8th, a hundred or more Mackenzie residents attended a BC Hydro presentation at the Community Hall on Hydro’s spring forecast for the Williston Reservoir in light of current drought conditions throughout the province (see also Buzzette February 22 issue). This graph, from Hydro’s updated forecast from later in February, is similar to what was presented earlier in the month.
These notes were included in Hydro’s later update in February:
- As of 22 Feb 2024, Williston Reservoir is 2168.6 feet (661.0 metres).
- The average reservoir level for this date is 2171.8 feet (662.0 metres).
- On this date, last year, Williston was lower at 2167.0 feet (660.5 metres).
- Williston inflows have been below average for two years in a row.
- This is a result of the below average spring 2023 snowpack and the summer regional (and provincial drought) last year.
- Inflows were sufficiently low to meet the criteria for the Low System Supply Event for the 2023/24 season. This permits, if needed, reservoir operations below the Normal Minimum Level of 2147 feet.
- Minimum spring 2024 Williston Reservoir level is now expected to be between 2147 feet and 2155 feet. This is higher than the forecast provided last month.
- The increase in expected reservoir levels is associated with additional system precipitation, continued imports, and a milder February.
Source: BC Hydro
THE MACKTOWN BUZZETTE 