The persistent lack of snow across much of B.C. is setting the stage for a possible repeat of the record-breaking provincewide drought experienced last summer, watershed experts worry. Despite a short blast of arctic weather in January, unseasonably warm temperatures coupled with rain have been melting already stressed snowpacks, particularly in parts of southern B.C. and Vancouver Island, said Coree Tull, of the BC Watershed Security Coalition. …This year, drought concerns are surfacing even earlier than last, Tull said… “But the unprecedented unpredictable weather we’ve seen continues to contribute to really this persistent risk of severe drought.” And the northeast region of the province is still caught up in the serious drought from last summer. …Prioritizing the preservation of natural solutions like mature forests, wetlands and beaver dams that store or retain water on the landscape and reduce the risk of wildfires, drought and floods is also key, Aaron Hill said.