Mission Creek rising fast

Mission Creek has been steadily rising the last several days – but the worst could be just around the corner.

The River Forecast Centre predicts Mission Creek's discharge rate will spike to 140 cubic metres per second late Thursday, up from its current rate of about 100.

During last spring's flooding, Mission Creek's discharge hit a maximum of about 105 cubic metres per second, while the creek reached 115 cubic metres per second during the 2-13 freshet.

According to the River Forecast Centre's historical data, a discharge of 119.7 cubic metres per second is considered a one-in-100-year event.

Due to the forecast, the River Forecast Centre issued a flood warning for Mission Creek and its surrounding tributaries Wednesday afternoon.

BC Wildfire Service crews were working at the mouth of the creek, Wednesday, installing bladder dams and sandbags along its banks.

The Central Okanagan Regional District Emergency Operations Centre says it's well prepared for the rising waters.

“At this point, not anticipating any big problems from the increasing flow rate tomorrow ... we are focusing attention on the low-lying areas between Lakeshore Road and the lake,” said Adrian Nieoczym.

Farther upstream, Mission Creek has spilled its south banks near Casorso Road, flooding a low-lying vacant area.

Flooding has also closed the Mission Creek Greenway from the Hollywood Road South entrance to Scenic Canyon Regional Park to Field Road.