September 2026
The level of Shuswap Lake has continued to drop all summer long since it peaked in early June, primarily due to the below normal precipitation in the watershed. As we reported in our last commentary, this trend, although unusual, is not a record for this time of year but are well below average for this time of year. Looking forward, the output of the River Forecast Center’s watershed model indicates that this trend will continue over the next ten days.
The water level for the lake to date for 2026 is shown on the attached graph, along with data for 2025 and 2021for comparison. We know that we are experiencing drought over the past couple of years and, unless we receive much increased precipitation, the trend in the water level into the winter will be similar to last year. However, if we receive more normal levels of precipitation through October and November, we could expect the lake level to rise as happened in 2021.
Does this really matter? Yes, it does! Other resources, such as the salmon that spawn in the tributary streams are experiencing limits to their habitat and has led to the province imposing restrictions on the amount of water that local farmers and ranchers can withdraw from the Salmon River to irrigate their crops. In a recent editorial piece in the Vancouver Sun (click here for article), calls are being made for further management of the water resources in our watershed. SWOA will keep following the outcomes from these calls to action in the future and try to keep you informed.
