The B.C. River Forecast Centre has upgraded a High Streamflow Advisory for the East Kootenay (southern regions), West Kootenay (southern regions) and Boundary including the Kettle River, Granby River and surrounding tributaries.

Sunny conditions with warm temperatures and high freezing levels are anticipated through this week. Daily high temperatures in the upper 20°C to low 30°C range on Tuesday through Thursday, the River Forecast Centre reported.

On Thursday the ridge of high pressure is forecast to weaken, with an upper low trough approaching B.C. on Friday, bringing precipitation to the region.

There is currently uncertainty on the location and severity of potential rainfall late in the week, with current forecasting indicating the potential for significant amounts of precipitation (30-60mm) in areas.

“Rivers have begun rising through the region. At mid-elevations, snowmelt has been rapid over the weekend, with daily rates of melt in the 20-40 mm range. Snowpack ripening is being observed at upper elevations, and with continuing hot temperatures through this week, snowmelt runoff is expected to increase substantially,” the River Forecast Centre stated.

On-going rises in rivers are expected across the region due to hot temperatures this week, with increasing potential for flood hazard in other rivers over the coming days.

The potential for heavier precipitation on Friday and Saturday could lead to a period of significant flood hazard through the region late this week.

This includes areas around the southern portions of the region and in watersheds draining mid-to-high elevations, including the Moyie River, Kettle River, Granby River, Salmo River and similar rivers and tributaries.

Flows primarily due to accelerated snowmelt are forecast to reach the two-year to 10-year range in noted areas by Friday.

Additional rises (20-year to 100-year flows or higher, e.g. similar to 2018 peak flows) are possible on Saturday and Sunday, depending on precipitation amounts later this week.

The public is advised: River levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly.

Being near these riverbanks, creeks and fast flowing bodies of water is dangerous:

• Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks;
• Avoid recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating or hiking near high streamflow rivers or streams;
• Remember, high streamflow can easily trap strong swimmers, increasing risk of drowning During a High Streamflow Advisory, conditions can change quickly.

Understand the risks and get prepared by visiting www.PreparedBC/floods

The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor the conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant.

A High Streamflow Advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Fast-flowing bodies of water increase risk to life safety. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bank-full. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur. A Flood Warning means that river levels have exceeded bank-full or will exceed bank-full imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.

Lead image: Moyie Lake. e-KNOW file photo

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