# Okanagan Lake water level decline

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/okanagan-lake-water-level-decline
> Updated: 2026-11-07T23:10:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Okanagan Lake has reached record low levels for this time of year, dropping 1,147 millimetres below full pool as of November 1. The Okanagan Basin Water Board reports that current levels are consistently lower than the 1994 to 2025 averages, potentially leading to a fifth consecutive drought year for the Okanagan Valley.

In the North Okanagan, Kalamalka Lake has reached historically low levels, approximately 1.5 metres below seasonal norms. This has resulted in a dead pool at the outlet, meaning water no longer enters Vernon Creek for the first time on record. To address scarcity, the Regional District of North Okanagan has maintained stage three water restrictions in Greater Vernon. Mitigation efforts include utilizing the Antwerp Deep Well in Lavington and redirecting reclaimed water to support agricultural users in the Bella Vista area.

By November 7, 2026, the region remains in its fifth consecutive year of drought. In Summerland, the municipality is under Drought Level 3, which requires a 20 per cent reduction in water for irrigators. While reservoir levels are slightly higher than in 2025, officials note that low snowpack measurements from earlier in the year make spring supplies unpredictable. Concerns persist regarding a projected super El Niño event in 2027, which may exacerbate dry conditions.

## Claims

- Kalamalka Lake is approximately 1.5 metres below its expected level for this time of year. (reported by 3 sources)
- Stage three water restrictions remain in effect in Greater Vernon. (reported by 3 sources)
- The RDNO activated the Antwerp Deep Well in Lavington to boost water supply. (reported by 3 sources)
- The RDNO partnered with the City of Vernon to use reclaimed water for agricultural users in Bella Vista. (reported by 3 sources)
- A super El Niño is expected to peak in December or January and last into 2027. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-07: Okanagan region faces severe drought and water scarcity

The Okanagan region faces severe drought conditions, with Summerland under Stage 3 restrictions and Kalamalka Lake reaching historically low levels amid concerns over future El Niño impacts.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kalamalka-lake-reaches-historically-low-levels-in-north-okanagan

### 2026-11-03: Okanagan Lake water levels reach record lows

Okanagan Lake water levels have hit record lows for this time of year, threatening a fifth consecutive drought year for the Okanagan Valley.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/okanagan-lake-water-levels-reach-record-lows

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Cite as: Okanagan Lake water level decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/okanagan-lake-water-level-decline