See latest at: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
High Streamflow Advisory – North Thompson (MAINTAINED)
ISSUED: 1:30 PM June 8, 2022
The River Forecast Centre is maintaining a High Streamflow Advisory for:
- North Thompson River including tributaries around Barriere and Clearwater
Rainfall and snowmelt across the region has led to on-going rises in rivers draining from the Cariboo Mountains. Significant snowpack remains in the mountains. Snow monitoring locations at Yanks Peak (Automated Snow Weather Station 1C41P) is at record snow pack for this time of year (exceeding 1000 mm of snow water equivalent) based on a 25-year monitoring record. Mid-elevation snow monitoring sites at Barkerville (1A25P) and Boss Mountain Mine (1C20P) are indicated more advanced melt (0-225 mm of snow water equivalent remaining). Given the amount of snow remaining, it may be 1-2 weeks, or more, before these rivers reach peak levels from snowmelt this season. Continued near-seasonal to below-seasonal temperatures are expected through this week, with continued moderate rates of snowmelt expected. Unsettled weather is forecast to continue through this week, with showers mid-week and again over the weekend, brining additional runoff.
Current conditions as of 11:58AM on Wednesday June 8th include:
- Quesnel River near Quesnel (Water Survey of Canada gauge 08KH006) is flowing at 900 m3/s (approaching a 5-year return period flow) and rising. Modelling is indicating the potential for flows to reach up to or above 1000 m3/s (10-year return period flow) by this weekend
- Horsefly River above Quesnel Lake (08KH031) is flowing at approximately 250 m3/s (10-year flow). Additional rises to 270 to 300 m3/s (20-year flow) are possible into this weekend
- North Thompson River at McLure (08LB064) is flowing at 1920 m3/s (between a 2-year and 5- year flow). Flows are forecast to remain a relatively consistent level, with modest rises possible into the weekend. The potential for additional rises later in the weekend or into next week remains.
The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period. Be prepared and know your hazards.
The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor the conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant.
BC River Forecast Centre Ministry of Forests
A High Streamflow Advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
A Flood Warning means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.
