 Aerial View of Dawson Creek, Tourism BC photo The Kiskatinaw River, a tributary to the Peace River and the city's water source, forms a deep valley between Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. The river can be observed from the curved bridge along the old Alaska Highway. Climate and Weather This northern community's continental climate is demonstrated with cool falls and springs, warm summers, and winters that range from mild to extremely cold. Snowfall from October to March averages 1.55m/5.1ft. April to September temperatures range from average lows of -3.5C/25.7F to average highs of 21.9C/71.4F. November to March temperatures range from average lows of -24.7C/12.5F to average highs of -2C/28.4F. Temperatures can reach as high as 34.5C/94.1F in the summer, and as low as -49.2C/-56.6F in the winter. Visitors should pack accordingly, especially in winter, when temperatures plummet. The Landscape, Industry and DevelopmentRich soils in the South Peace area support successful agricultural production, as they are well suited to growing crops such as wheat, canola and grass seeds. More than crop production, the area also supports excellent range for raising livestock including cattle, bison and sheep. A sedimentary basin underlies the surface in which coal seams and oil and gas reserves are sought after by the mining and oil and gas industries. While coal is mined near Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd, Dawson Creek is a key service center for mining activity. Regionally, forestry employs up to 1,700 people in harvesting, transportation, and cultivation. Not to be left behind in this age of global climate change, Dawson Creek is an innovative community exploring new opportunities for sustainable development. A great example is found in the region's open surroundings, which prone to steady wind and which will one day be developed into renewable energy wind farms.
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