Author: Katie

High Streamflow Advisory for Cowichan River

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for: Cowichan River and surrounding small streams in the area Rainfall totals of 30 to 40 mm  in the Cowichan River basin on Tuesday night resulted in high streamflow conditions Wednesday morning on the Cowichan River near Duncan (WSC 08HA011).  Another 15 to 25 mm… Read more

High Streamflow Advisory for Cowichan and Chemainus Rivers

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for Vancouver Island, including the Chemainus River, Cowichan River and surrounding creeks and tributaries. A series of storms forecast to hit the region from today through the weekend are expected to rapidly increase streamflows throughout the Cowichan Region.  While flooding is not… Read more

Campfires Banned throughout CVRD

The Coastal Fire Centre has announced a Campfire Ban for most of Vancouver Island including the CVRD. All open burning, including campfires, will be banned as of noon on Wednesday, August 17. This fire prohibition is supported and applied within all CVRD electoral areas. What is banned? Campfires and open burning of any… Read more

Stage 2 Water Restrictions to begin June 6

The hot, dry spring has led to Level 3 (Very Dry) Drought Conditions in the Cowichan Region. To reduce water consumption, Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions will begin on Monday June 6, 2016. These restrictions will apply to all CVRD and municipal water systems, as well as the Cowichan Bay… Read more

Vancouver Island moves to Drought Level 3

Following the CVRD’s determination that the Cowichan Valley is at Level 3 Drought Conditions, the Provincial government has updated the Drought rating for all of Vancouver Island to Level 3 – Very Dry. Despite some rainfall this past weekend, rainfall totals for the month of May were less than 25%… Read more

Drought Levels Increasing

The CVRD, following the provincial methods, has set the drought level for the Cowichan Valley at Level 3 – Very Dry, based on the following conditions. Snowpack – 7% of normal levels – equivalent to levels normally seen in late August Rainfall – less than 40% of normal rainfall in the… Read more

Water Use Restrictions Begin May 1

Spring is here – and with it come water use restrictions. All CVRD and municipal water systems will enter Stage 1 Water Use Restrictions as scheduled on May 1. New for this year: Mill Bay Water District and Cowichan Bay Waterworks will be co-ordinating their water use restrictions with CVRD… Read more

Stage 1 Water Restrictions

With significant increases in water storage at Lake Cowichan, substantial reductions in water demand from municipal water systems and precipitation forecasted well into the foreseeable future, all local governments in the Cowichan Valley have downgraded the Water Use Restrictions to Stage 1 effective Friday, October 9, 2015.  Stage 1 Watering restrictions remain… Read more

Wet Weather Helping with Drought Conditions

The rain and cool weather over the past couple of weeks has led to moderate improvements in the drought conditions in the Cowichan Region.  In response to improving conditions and a forecast for continued wet weather, a number of restrictions are being relaxed. Provincial drought level reduced.  The BC River… Read more

Low Streamflow Advisory Ended, Drought Level Reduced

As a result of recent rainfall, the BC River Forecast Centre is ending the low streamflow advisory for Vancouver Island.  The provincial drought level for Vancouver Island has also been reduced to Level 3, Very Dry. From the Advisory: “The recent rainfall events on Vancouver Island have improved streamflow conditions… Read more