Managing drought in the Columbia River basin

Through the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP), we work to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by our dams.

Although fish stranding is not an uncommon occurrence and can happen in any year, we recognize that the impacts of drought have been significant. In 2023, we documented all reports of fish stranding on Arrow Lakes Reservoir during the drought conditions. To minimize impacts to fish, crews were deployed to assess stranding sites and salvage fish where possible. In addition, along with the Government of B.C. and the FWCP, we surveyed creek mouths in advance of spawning migration to assess passage and collect additional water temperature data.

We also undertake numerous monitoring studies and habitat restoration projects as part of our Columbia River Water Use Plan. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Fish salvaging when stranding events occur;
• Annual fish population surveys;
• Rainbow trout spawning studies;
• Rainbow trout spawning protection;
• Supporting white sturgeon monitoring and recovery;
• Revegetation and vegetation monitoring;
• Wetland studies; and,
• Migrant and shorebird studies and monitoring.

The Columbia River Water Use Plan calls for soft constraint targets, monitoring projects, and physical works to benefit various reservoir interests. They support recreation, wildlife, fish, vegetation, culture and heritage, erosion, and power generation on the main stem of the Columbia River from Kinbasket Reservoir downstream to the Canada-United States border.

As part of our water licence, we're required to provide access to Arrow Lakes Reservoir during the peak recreation season. To meet this requirement, we completed construction and upgrades of eight boat ramps on Arrow Lakes Reservoir for use during the recreation period, which is generally considered to be from mid-June to mid-September.

These new and refurbished ramps will provide area boaters with safe and improved access for many years to come. The Comptroller of Water Rights has confirmed that, subject to meeting maintenance requirements, we're met our obligation to provide access to the reservoir.

The eight Arrow Lakes boat ramps and their lowest operational elevations are as follows:

We recognize the importance of boating access to the local communities, and we do our best to provide access as long as possible during the recreation period.

Low water levels in 2023 made boat launch access a challenge.

However, we were able to keep the boat launches usable for the majority of the peak recreation season, and we expect that these boat ramps will remain operational for the peak recreation season in 2024.

Prior to the construction and upgrades of these boat ramps, we engaged with Arrow Lakes Reservoir residents and stakeholders to review the designs and ensure that the boat ramps would meet the needs of the community.

For details, see the recreation materials in our Columbia River Water Use Plan.

During the fall and winter of 2023, we inventoried approximately 1,300 structures and materials that exist along the shoreline of Arrow Lakes Reservoir. We assessed these structures and materials based on environmental considerations, archeological and heritage values, accessibility, and public safety concerns.

Then, from February through March of 2024, barge and ground crews worked to remove the rubble and materials, recycling metal materials whenever feasible. We removed over 28,800 kilograms of materials, including over 21,000 kg of recycled metal.

Looking ahead, we're committed to developing a comprehensive long-term strategy for managing remaining structures and materials. This strategy will consider of reservoir level forecast, environmental impacts, and heritage conservation requirements.

Low water levels are primarily related to severe drought conditions in the Columbia basin. It's important to recognize that reservoirs will see operations at the upper and lower limits of the licensed operating range based on weather, inflows, and other variables.

We're aware that the drought conditions can cause significant issues for the communities around our reservoirs. Unfortunately, communities across the province have been impacted by this drought, including those that were also impacted by the related wildfires. There are no plans for compensation for Columbia basin communities.

We’re expecting that Arrow Lakes Reservoir will be below average again this year. This is due to the current snowpack conditions as well as last year's low runoff, which may make 2024 the second consecutive dry year in a row.

We're very aware of the impacts associated with low Arrow Lakes Reservoir levels over each season. We'll continue to consider options, when available, to support higher Arrow Lakes Reservoir levels this summer. Arrow Lakes Reservoir operations will remain within its water licence limits.

Further information about our operations during dry conditions are also available in the Low Levels in Arrow Lakes Reservoir Information Session Question and Answer Report [PDF, 2.0 MB] that was published by the Government of B.C. earlier this year.

Weather patterns, including precipitation and temperature, play a significant role in forecasting reservoir levels. Precipitation affects the amount of water flowing into the reservoirs, while temperature influences snowpack accumulation and melting rates. In the Columbia basin, approximately 30% of inflows into reservoirs come from spring and summer rainfall.

Snow and surface water includes factors like snowpack levels and runoff, which are critical to reservoir inflows. In the Columbia basin, they account for 70% of inflows each year. Snowpack serves as a natural water storage system, gradually releasing water during the spring and summer months. We assess snowpack and runoff data to adjust how we operate or plan to operate reservoirs. We have over 150 snow and surface water monitoring stations that capture automated, real-time data.

Electricity demand fluctuates based on factors such as seasonal changes, economic activity, and population growth. We consider electricity demand forecasts to determine the amount of water needed for hydropower generation. This means making decisions about how much water needs to remain in reservoirs that are used for power generation.

Under the Columbia River Treaty, we must adhere to specific requirements for managing water releases from its reservoirs. These regulations aim to optimize power generation, flood control, and water storage while meeting obligations to Treaty partners in the U.S. Our forecasting process takes into accounts for these treaty obligations to ensure compliance and effective management of water resources.

Visual guide: How we forecast water levels [PDF, 115 KB]

Map of our operations in the Columbia Basin [PDF, 522 KB]

The Columbia River Treaty (CRT) is operated for power generation and flood control objectives. Under the terms of the Treaty, Canada is required to release more water during dry conditions in the U.S. to enable them to meet their requirements for power generation and flood control.

We're legally required to release this water to the U.S., no more or less, except by agreement with them.

For details, see the CRT 2014/2024 Review – Phase 1 Report [PDF, 937 KB], and refer to page A-26.

On July 11, 2024, Canada and the U.S. announced that they've reached an agreement-in-principle (AIP) to modernize the Columbia River Treaty. This is a significant milestone in the negotiations that have been underway for six years.

The Treaty plays a critical role in reducing flood damage and providing clean electricity to millions of homes and businesses on both sides of the border. Under the AIP, the countries have agreed that a modernized Treaty will provide some level of assured, pre-planned flood control and continued cooperation on hydropower for the Columbia River. The countries have also agreed to incorporate new provisions not considered in the original agreement, including those for increased unilateral flexibility for how B.C. operates its Treaty dams, ecosystem health, restoring and strengthening salmon populations, Indigenous cultural values, adaptive management, and new collaborative engagement on Libby Dam operations.

To stay updated, subscribe to their newsletter or visit the Government of B.C.'s website.

Discharge refers to the volume of water flowing through a specific point in a river or stream, typically measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s) or cubic feet per second (ft³/s). In our operations in the Columbia Basin, discharge is a critical parameter monitored to gauge the amount of water passing through hydroelectric dams, reservoirs, and other water control structures.

The movement of water downstream from a dam or reservoir, important for maintaining river ecosystems, supporting aquatic life, and meeting downstream water needs.

In the context of our operations in the Columbia Basin, "draft" refers to the amount of water withdrawn or released from reservoirs or dams for various purposes, including hydroelectric generation, downstream flow management, and other water-related needs. Draft is usually expressed as the meters or feet of water in the reservoir compared to before the withdrawal or release.

A prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation leading to water scarcity, reduced river flows, and potential impacts on water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems. B.C. has four levels of drought classification:

Level 1 – Drought Advisory

This level indicates the onset of dry conditions and serves as an early warning. It signifies that conditions are becoming drier than normal and encourages water users to voluntarily reduce their water consumption. At this stage, BC Hydro and other water management authorities may start monitoring water levels more closely and implementing water conservation measures.

Level 2 – Drought Watch

This level is declared when dry conditions persist and there's an increased risk of water shortages. Water users, including municipalities, industries, and individuals, are urged to implement water conservation measures voluntarily. BC Hydro may also adjust water release schedules from reservoirs to maintain downstream flow levels and support essential water uses.

Level 3 – Drought Warning

This level is declared when dry conditions intensify, posing a significant risk to water supply, agriculture, and ecosystems. Mandatory water conservation measures may be implemented, restricting non-essential water use and promoting stringent conservation. BC Hydro may further modify dam operations to prioritize water conservation and maintain critical downstream flow requirements.

Level 4 – Drought Emergency

The highest level of drought classification is declared when water shortages become severe, threatening public health, safety, and essential water supplies. Mandatory water use restrictions are enforced, and emergency measures may be implemented to secure water resources for critical needs. BC Hydro may enact additional measures to manage reservoir levels, prioritize water release for essential purposes, and mitigate the impacts of prolonged drought conditions.

The movement of water in a river or stream, encompassing both the volume and velocity of water passing through a particular point. Monitoring flow is essential for managing water resources effectively, optimizing hydroelectric generation, maintaining ecological balance, and mitigating the impacts of drought, floods, and other hydrological events.

The annual springtime rise in river flow resulting from the melting of snowpack and ice in mountainous regions. In the Columbia Basin, freshet is a significant event that typically occurs between late winter and early summer, leading to increased river flows and higher water levels in reservoirs and rivers.

Dams that are specifically designed for electricity generation by controlling the flow of water through turbines to produce power.

The water that enters a reservoir from melting snowpack, rainfall, and surface and groundwater flows.

The water that flows out of a reservoir from electricity generation or other water management uses (e.g. to manage water levels, or to meet requirements of agreements such as the Columbia River Treaty).

A manufactured lake created by damming a river, used to store water for various purposes including hydroelectric generation, recreation, and water management.

Snowpack refers to the accumulation of snow on the ground, particularly in mountainous regions, that forms over the winter season and persists through the colder months. Snowpack serves as a crucial natural reservoir of water, storing water as snow until it melts in the spring and early summer, releasing water into rivers and streams.

The depth and density of the snowpack play a role in determining the timing and volume of spring runoff, which is essential for various activities such as agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and maintaining ecological balance in rivers.

Dams built to regulate water flow and store excess water during periods of high inflow for later use in power generation or downstream needs.