***Please note correction*** The North Thompson River and tributaries are at a Flood Watch stage.
UPDATE- Flood Warning: BC Interior
Issued: 19June2012 9:00AM
The following is the status of flood watches, warnings and advisories as of 19June2012 @ 9:00AM:
• Shuswap River downstream of Mabel Lake (near Enderby) – Flood Warning
• Shuswap River upstream of Mabel Lake (near Lumby) – Flood Watch
• North Thompson River and tributaries – Flood Watch
• South Thompson River and Shuswap Lake – Flood Watch
• Quesnel River – Flood Watch
• Nechako River near Prince George – High Streamflow Advisory
• Cariboo region (including the Horsefly River) – High Streamflow Advisory (downgraded)
• Skeena and tributaries (including Bulkley River) – ENDED
• Upper Columbia River and tributaries – ENDED
• Seymour River and Eagle River (Shuswap tributaries)- ENDED
• Okanagan (including North-Okanagan and Mission Creek) – ENDED
Rivers have been responding to rapid snowmelt and wet conditions over the past 2-3 weeks. A summary of current conditions:
• Shuswap River at Enderby (08LC002) is at 460 m3/s (20-year flow) and rising slowly (0.2 cm/hour). River levels may experience another surge on Wednesday or Thursday is expected on the Shuswap River, and overall rises of 15 cm above current levels are possible.
• Shuswap River at Lumby (08LC003) is at 305 m3/s (5-10 year flow) and has stopped rising.
• Shuswap Lake at Salmon Arm (08LE070) is at 348.96 m and rising at 9-10 cm/day. At this point there is uncertainty over the timing of the peak for Shuswap Lake. Typically Shuswap Lake reaches peak levels towards the 3rd week of June, and the combination of a delayed onset to the snow melt season, and an unseasonably wet June may push the peak to the end of June or early July. Shuswap Lake is expected to reach 20-year levels on Thursday or Friday.
• North Thompson River at Birch Island (08LB047) saw a large jump in river levels yesterday, and is currently flowing at 960 m3/s (20 to 50-year flow). This jump may be a gauge-related issue rather than a real increase in flows, and the station and downstream flows will be continued to be monitored closely.
• South Thompson River at Chase (08LE031) is at 1260 m3/s (approaching 20-year flow). At this point there is uncertainty over the timing of the peak of the South Thompson River. Typically the South Thompson River reaches peak levels towards the 3rd week of June, and the combination of a delayed onset to the snow melt season, and an unseasonably wet June may push the peak to the end of June or early July. The South Thompson River is expected to reach 20-year levels on Wednesday or Thursday.
• Quesnel River at Likley (08KH001) is at 530 m3/s (10 to 20-year flow) and rising. Rises are expected to continue through the week.
A Flood Warning is in effect for the upper Fraser River, and details are provided under a separate warning. Rainfall has eased or is easing in most areas, however there is the potential for hot and then wet weather later this week and weekend which may lead to further river concerns.
The River Forecast Centre will continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant.
The following is the status of flood watches, warnings and advisories as of 19June2012 @ 9:00AM: