High Streamflow Advisory issued in the Thompson area

MERRITT – The Government of B.C. has put a High Streamflow Advisory in place for the Thompson area, which includes Merritt.

A High Streamflow Advisory means river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding could take place in low-lying areas.

Officials said the warmer temperatures coming in the forecast is the reason why the advisory is being put into place.

“In most of the higher elevation terrain across the province, the snowpack has not ripened and much of the energy associated with the upcoming warming is expected to be absorbed into snow ripening,” wrote officials in a statement. “At mid-elevations, snowpack’s have ripened and are expected to respond with sharp rises in snowmelt rates over the weekend. River responses will be variable across the region, with watersheds containing a high degree of mid-elevation terrain expected to have the most significant increase in river levels over the weekend.”

Some tips the government released include:

• Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers
• Stay clear of potentially unstable riverbanks
• Avoid recreational activities near high streamflow rivers
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Boating
  • Hiking