Our local climate is changing. CBT has made it a priority to help Basin residents understand climate change and how the predicted changes will impact you, your family and your community.
CBT worked with the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium from the University of Victoria and a number of other government and academic institutions to research historical and future predicted climate change impacts in the Basin. By understanding what the important local sensitivities are and how you may be affected, you can begin to understand how to increase your community resiliency and adapt to these changes.
Temperature Changes
Temperature changes are already affecting the Columbia Basin. In the last century the average temperature in the Basin has increased by 1.5 degrees; most of this warming has happened in the last 30 to 50 years. Summers are getting a little warmer, but winters are getting a lot warmer.
Changing Stream and River Flows
Research shows lower water levels in streams during the summer and higher levels in the winter. Between 1984 and 1995, spring runoff occurred 20 days earlier than it did between 1970 and 1983.
Melting Glaciers
Glaciers have shrunk on average 16 per cent based on a 15-year period ending in 2000. The Slocan and Bull River watersheds lost 47 per cent and 60 per cent respectively of total ice area.
More Rain, More Snow
Results from five Basin weather stations indicated an increased rainfall of up to 45 per cent between 1913 to 2002. The greatest reduction in snowpack is at lower elevations. Research has shown that between 1950 and 1997, snowpack declined by 20 to 40 per cent in the entire Columbia Basin.
For more information on historical changes in the Columbia Basin's climate and for a look at climate change modeling that predicts more detailed expected changes in temperature and precipitation read,
Preliminary Analysis of Climate Variability and Change in the Canadian Columbia River Basin - Focus on Water Resources.
Here are a few of the predicted local impacts of climate change and potential adaptation strategies.
Planning Areas |
Local Impacts |
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Adaptation Strategies |
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| Water supply |
Higher temperatures and less summer precipitation may lead to prolonged droughts.
Higher winter streamflows and severe rain events may cause flooding. |
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Increase water conservation efforts.
Increase flood protection or redesign water infrastructure.
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| Safety and Transportation |
Higher winter streamflows and extreme precipitation events could increase the risk of more frequent or severe floods and landslides which may damage roads and railways.
Increased risk of interface fires that may threaten homes and communities. |
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Take protective engineering measures and design roads to accommodate these impacts.
Create more "firesmart" forest interfaces. |
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| Forests |
Warmer temperatures may have an influence on which tree species grow in the Basin.
Warmer winters may shorten the winter logging season. |
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Plant tree species suited to predicted climate conditions.
Investigate harvesting technologies that will help maintain winter logging seasons. |
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| Recreation and Tourism |
Warmer winters may result in less low-elevation snowfall, lower snowpack and earlier snowmelt, which may mean reduced skiing seasons.
Floods and high stream flows could damage fish habitat. |
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Increase snowmaking where possible, and groom slopes to reduce snow cover needed for skiable conditions and extend the length of time the snow lasts.
Take steps to manage and protect fish habitats. |
