Dawson Creek renewed its local state of emergency due to water supply concerns, though recent snowfall and river conditions have improved the outlook for the city’s sole water source, the Kiskatinaw River
Dawson Creek Extends Local State of Emergency Over Water Supply
The City of Dawson Creek in northeastern B.C. has renewed a local state of emergency due to water supply concerns. Officials state that recent snowfall and river conditions have improved the situation.
Emergency Extension Details
In an update on Friday, officials announced that the state of emergency has been extended until January 20. This allows the city to act quickly if conditions change, including securing alternative water sources.
Recent Weather Impact
The city received 24 centimetres of snow last week, which is about 17 millimetres of moisture. Additional snow and rain are also in the forecast.
Water is now flowing over the weir crest at the city’s intake on the Kiskatinaw River, which is the city’s only source of drinking water. The intake is not freezing, which are “both positive indicators,” according to the update.
Current Water Supply Status
“Dawson Creek is currently in a strong position for water supply,” the update states. City staff are actively monitoring conditions to ensure water remains safe and reliable for the community.
The city estimates it has about 182 days of usable water stored in its reservoirs.
Snowpack and Temperature Forecast
A “strong amount of water stored in the snowpack” is expected to help supply as temperatures warm this week. Daytime highs are expected to be between 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.
According to the province’s January 1 snow survey, snowpacks in the Peace region are 142 percent of normal for the season. Three snow-measuring stations in the region have recorded new all-time highs.
Snow Water Equivalent Measurements
| Location | Snow Water Equivalent (mm) |
|---|---|
| Fort St. John Airport | 152 |
| Bearhole Lake | 104 – 113 |
Contingency Planning and Future Actions
Despite the improved outlook, Dawson Creek continues to work on contingency planning. This includes an overland water line from the Peace River, for which the city has secured one of five permits needed.
The city will seek renewals of the emergency order from the province “until all permits and agreements are finalized.”
Background on Water Supply Issues
The emergency was first declared in October after the Kiskatinaw River hit record low levels due to four years of worsening drought in the region. The river supplies roughly 15,000 people in Dawson Creek and the surrounding area, including the village of Pouce Coupe.
In January 2024, the Kiskatinaw froze completely, forcing the city to rely entirely on stored reservoir water for six weeks.
The city is pushing for expedited provincial approval on a permanent new water supply system from the Peace River, located about 50 kilometres north of the city. This multi-year project is estimated to cost at least $100 million.
Provincial agencies and First Nations have raised concerns about the proposal and the city’s plan to sell surplus water to industrial users to help offset construction costs.
