Gertrude Farina's recent letter states that "the rivers are very low and have been so for months." I assume that she refers to the North and South Thompson Rivers that are such prominent features of Kamloops.

They certainly are quite small right now, compared to their mighty summer presence. However, it is a normal occurrence for water levels to vary seasonally in rivers that drain large mountainous areas with heavy snow pack. 

I am fairly new to Kamloops. With no local memories to draw upon, I am forced to rely on Environment Canada's hydrometric data to check the accuracy of her statement. Data tables are available online showing daily or monthly water flows in both the South Thompson River and the North Thompson River from 1915 to 2010. The water flow is certainly quite variable from year to year, but the mean water-flow in recent years appears quite normal compared to the past century. 

MARY ELLEN KESKIMAKI

Kamloops