Emergency Overland Water Transfer Update: January 9, 2026

To keep response tools active during the drought, the State of Local Emergency (SOLE) has been renewed to January 20, 2026.

The SOLE allows the City to act quickly and decisively as conditions change. This includes securing access to alternative water sources, coordinating emergency response plans, and mobilizing resources if required.

Current Conditions and Key Updates

• Dawson Creek received 24 cm of snow last week, equal to approximately 17 mm of moisture, with additional snow and rain in the forecast.

• Water is flowing over the weir crest at the Arras Intake on the Kiskatinaw River, and the intake is not freezing—both positive indicators.

• There is a strong amount of water stored in the snowpack, which is expected to contribute to supply as temperatures warm.

• Based on current usage, the City has an estimated 182 days of usable water storage, though this number may fluctuate with demand.

• The Emergency Operations Team continues work on permits and agreements for the overland water line, with 1 of 5 required permits secured to date.

• The City will continue requesting SOLE renewals from the Province of BC until all permits and agreements are finalized.

Overall Outlook

Dawson Creek is currently in a strong position for water supply, and City staff are actively monitoring conditions to ensure water remains safe and reliable for the community.

Stay Informed

The City will continue to share updates as the emergency plan progresses. Residents are encouraged to visit dawsoncreek.ca/emergency to read past updates or subscribe to receive future news notifications.