Interior Flood Watch

The Ministry of Environment has issued a widespread Flood Watch for small and mid-sized rivers in the south Interior.

The Flood Watch for the south Interior includes the following regions:

• West Kootenay and East Kootenay
  
• Boundary
  
• Columbia
  
• Okanagan
  
• South Thompson

A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed the riverbank. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

River levels throughout the south Interior have been rising rapidly since Monday, following four days of record high temperatures and snowmelt. A number of small and mid-sized rivers are at or above the level of the natural riverbank and rising.

These rivers include:

• Mission Creek (near Kelowna)
  
• Kettle River (near Grand Forks, Westbridge, Midway and Rock Creek)
  
• Salmon River (near Salmon Arm)
  
• Silver Creek (near Salmon Arm)
  
• Granby River (near Grand Forks)
  
• Slocan River (near Crescent Valley)
  
• Bull River (near Wardner)
  
• Elk River (near Fernie)
  
• Moyie River (near East Port)
  
• Eagle River (near Malakwa)
  
• Illecillewaet River (near Greeley)
  

Other small and mid-size rivers in these regions may also be experiencing high flows.

Temperatures are forecast to remain high (near 30 degrees Celsius) today
and Friday, with cooling to the low 20s on Saturday and Sunday.

Environment Canada is forecasting widespread thunderstorms for the Boundary, Kootenay and Okanagan regions Friday and Saturday, with reduced potential for thunderstorms on Sunday.

Water levels on these rivers will continue to rise today, Friday and
Saturday, and possibly into Sunday, from ongoing snowmelt alone. Some small and mid-sized rivers may also experience increased flows from storm rainfall, depending on the location and intensity of the potential
thunderstorm activity.

The Ministry of Environment is currently reviewing information for the
Similkameen River and may issue an advisory specific to it later today.

The ministry is monitoring rainfall magnitudes and river levels closely,
and is in regular contact with Environment Canada's weather forecasters.
It will provide an update as soon as additional information is
available.

If a Flood Watch is issued for your area, there are things you and your
family can do:

• Listen continuously to a local broadcast station for updated
  information.
  
• Be ready to act quickly. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly and without warning. Be ready to act immediately.
  
• Be alert to signs of flooding, and, if you live in a flood-prone area,
  be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Floods can happen quickly and you may need to leave with little or no notice.
  
• Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities. Local
  authorities are the most informed about affected areas and the most knowledgeable about areas you should avoid.>/ul>
  
  If you are planning to be on or near a river this holiday weekend, the
  Ministry of Environment advises caution because water levels and velocities are high, water temperatures are cold, and rivers may be transporting debris. Keep children and pets away from riverbanks because they may be unstable. Also, exercise caution when choosing a campsite near a river, as water levels can rise during the night.
  
  People living on or near rivers are advised to inspect their property and relocate from low-lying areas any materials and equipment that might be damaged by floodwaters. Residents should ensure basement sump pumps are operating correctly and should check any culverts on their property to ensure they are not blocked or restricted by debris that might be picked up by streams or ditches as water rises.
  
  The public is asked to contact local emergency officials if a problem such as a log jam or erosion of bridge abutments develops on a nearby river.