(May 6, 2020) The River Forecast Centre issued a High Streamflow Advisory for tributaries of the North Thompson River in the Barriere and Clearwater areas. This includes Fishtrap Creek near McLure which was flowing at a five-year flow (9m3/s) as of 7 a.m., Wednesday, May 6.
“Snowmelt runoff has been contributing to rising flows in most areas over the past week or two,” reports the River Forecast Centre, “Rainfall occurred over the region in the past 24 hours, with precipitation totals in the 5-15 mm range being observed at Fire Weather Stations across the region. River levels have been responding to snowmelt and rainfall.
“A frontal system is expected to track over British Columbia, with the potential for some showers through the region, and higher rainfall amounts (possible 10-30mm) forecast in the Cariboo Mountains and Monashees. Areas in the Cariboo Mountains (tributaries to the North Thompson River around Barriere, Clearwater and McLure) and the Monashees and North Okanagan (including areas around Vernon, Lumby, Enderby, and Sicamous) may see significant river rises into May 7 if heavier showers materialize in watersheds.”
As the week progresses, a high-pressure ridge is expected to develop over British Columbia, with temperatures warming into the weekend, with increasing flows expected for rivers with mid-to-high elevation snowpacks with snowmelt into the weekend.
Members of the public are advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during this high-streamflow period. Please make sure that your children and pets remain safe during this time.