Chase is located at the junction of the South Thompson River Valley and the Shuswap region.
It lies at the western end of Little Shuswap Lake where the lake empties into the South Thompson River. The village is built on the narrow, flat belt of fertile agricultural land that borders the river in a landscape dominated by Mount Scatchard and Mount Boysee to the south and the Shuswap Highlands to the north.
Lakes and Rivers near Chase
Chase is situated on a system of interconnected lakes and rivers that include Shuswap Lake, Little River, Little Shuswap Lake, the South Thompson River, Adams Lake and the Adams River (home of the famous sockeye salmon spawning grounds). These bodies of water ultimately connect to the Pacific Ocean via the Thompson and Fraser rivers. In addition, a host of smaller rivers, creeks and lakes, such as Niskonlith Lake, add to the opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, white water rafting and wildlife viewing.
Climate & Weather
Chase benefits from a dry, continental climate and experiences four distinct seasons with relatively short winters (December to February) and sunny summers where highs average around 27°C/80°F and some days reach into the 30°C/90°F. Winters see some snow in the village with significantly larger accumulations at higher elevations in the surrounding highlands and mountains. These conditions are echoed in the summer when rainfall is higher in many popular recreation areas, especially to the north. Overall annual precipitation in the village averages around 550mm/22in, while the annual average in Seymore Arm in the North Shuswap on Shuswap Lake is 980mm/39in.
- Variations in altitude make the seasons elastic. Dress in layers year round and carry rain gear when visiting the mountains and more northerly regions in summer. Temperatures and weather conditions can vary dramatically.
- Winter tires are strongly recommended when heading to the backcountry from early autumn through late spring. Four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles are best suited for rugged backcountry travel year round.