The Groundwater Level Outlook Simulation System, or GLOSS, groundwater level model provides forecasts for 14, 30, 60, and 90 days in advance. It uses artificial neural networks, a type of machine learning, to relate groundwater levels to historic precipitation, temperature, and, if applicable, snowpack data. The model also accounts for recharge lag times, capturing how groundwater responds to hydroclimate data. For more details on the model and forecasts see the model overview and explanation of forecast chart.

GLOSS Model Links: Overview | Explanation of forecast chart | Forecast Map | Forecast Report | Code (GitHub)

Technical References


Reports

  • Hatfield Consultants. (2025). Groundwater Level Forecasting Pilot Project: Phase 2. Prepared for the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, British Columbia. (25.0MB PDF)

  • Hatfield Consultants. (2024). Groundwater Level Forecasting Pilot Project. Prepared for the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, British Columbia. (13.5MB PDF)


Presentations

  • Nunn, J. and Goetz, J. (2026). Real-Time Groundwater Level Forecasting Using Deep Learning. Webinar, Canadian Water Resource Association B.C. Branch, February 23, 2026. (8.5.0MB PDF; Webinar Recording)

  • Nunn, J., Beckers, J., Goetz, J. and Jackson, B. (2025). Forecasting Seasonal Groundwater Levels in Rain and Snow Dominated Recharge Settings. Presented at Canadian Water Resource Association National Conference, Penticton, B.C., May 27, 2025.


Background and Previous Work

  • Gullacher, A., D.M. Allen, and J.D. Goetz. (2023). Early Warning Indicators of Groundwater Drought in Mountainous Regions. Water Resources Research, Volume 59, Issue 8. (1.3 PDF)

  • Gullacher, A., D.M. Allen, and J.D. Goetz. (2023). Indicators of Groundwater Drought in British Columbia. Water Science Series, WSS2023-01, Prov. B.C., Victoria. (3.8MB PDF)

  • Gullacher, A., D.M. Allen, and J.D. Goetz. (2021). Classification of Groundwater Response Mechanisms in Provincial Observation Wells Across British Columbia. Water Science Series, WSS2021-03, Prov. B.C., Victoria. (7.9MB PDF)

Disclaimer

Groundwater level forecasts use statistical models and third-party data. These models have two types of errors: systematic (model limitations) and random (input data). Forecasts may differ from actual observations, and water levels could exceed forecast bounds. Users must accept responsibility for their use and interpretation.

Although every effort has been made to provide accurate information and locations, the Government of British Columbia makes no representation or warranties regarding the accuracy of information on or linked from this map, nor will it accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Access to and/or content of this map may be suspended, discontinued, or altered, in part or in whole, at any time, for any reason, with or without prior notice, at the discretion of the Government of British Columbia.

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