Snow In Water Supply Area
Precipitation Higher in Watershed
The Sooke Reservoir watershed receives much higher amounts of rain and snow than in the City of Victoria. Average annual precipitation at Sooke Reservoir is about 1600 mm (62") - about double the amount that the City of Victoria receives. While the watershed is not a temperate rainforest like further north along the coast, the higher precipitation in the Sooke Hills can produce some heavy rain and snow as shown below.
January 2005 Snow Storm
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November 2006 Snow Storm
In late November, 2006, a major snow storm dumped up to 90 cm (about 3 ft) of snow on the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area lands. While the storm cut power and blocked roads to some water supply facilities, it did not endanger the safety of the drinking water.
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Blocked Watershed Roads
Due to the extremely heavy amount of snow and high number of fallen trees, only the major roads in the watershed have been cleared (as of Dec 7, 2006).
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Downed Trees
Compared to the big storm in 1996, the 2006 storm caused greater damage and more fallen trees. As roads are cleared, crews are getting a better understanding of the overall impacts the snow has had on the forests in the Water Supply Area. Initially, it was felt that the impact was confined to one area. To confirm this, an aerial survey will be conducted when the weather improves.
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Clearing Watershed Roads
Crews are now working on clearing secondary roads using graders, skidders and even bulldozers. The total distance of the Water Supply Area road system is 383 km. It is estimated that the clean up work will not be completed until the spring.
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Restoration of Hydro Power
As of Dec 7, 2006, power had been restored to all Water Supply Area facilities. Additional work to clear away the remains of trees is still required and will be completed once the snow melts.