Thompson region upgraded to a Flood Warning; excluding Nicola River in Merritt

MERRITT – The B.C. River Forecast Centre has upgraded the Flood Watch to a Flood Warning for the Thompson area, but it excludes the Nicola River in Merritt.

A Flood Warning means river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.

City of Merritt officials stated both the Nicola and Coldwater remain within normal flows for this time of year.

“Water levels may rise further due to the melting snow pack, but we do not anticipate any flooding in Merritt at this time,” wrote the City.

For the rest of the Thompson region, officials warn of the melting snowpack mixed with possible precipitation may be the cause of flooding in the area.

“There is currently uncertainty on the location and severity of potential rainfall late in the week, with current forecasts indicating the potential for significant amounts of precipitation (20-40+ mm) in areas,” wrote the B.C. River Forecast Centre. ” Snowmelt rates have been increasing over the past few days, particularly in mid-elevation areas, with 25 mm to 50 mm of snowmelt being observed yesterday.”

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