Pacific Crest Trail Snowpack Concerns
B.C.'s snowpack is near normal (91%), but the Okanagan faces historically low levels, raising drought concerns for PCT hikers [https://clearwatertimes.com/2026/03/10/b-c-snowpack-near-normal-but-some-regions-face-drought-risk].
The Okanagan Valley snowpack is at only 34% of normal, a stark contrast to the overall provincial average. This discrepancy highlights the localized nature of drought risk, even within a region with generally healthy snow levels. Hikers planning a Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hike should pay close attention to water source conditions in the Okanagan region. Low snowpack can lead to dry creeks and limited water availability along the trail. The snowpack situation can change rapidly, so continued monitoring of conditions is essential. Check with local authorities and trail organizations for the latest updates on water availability and trail conditions before heading out.
