Little risk of flooding; City of Merritt

As the BC River Forecast Centre has issued the first high stream flow advisory of the season for the region, the City of Merritt is providing a freshet update.

“We are happy to inform residents that based on current conditions, there is little risk of flooding this season,” writes Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis.

“Though snowpack estimates aren’t perfect, from the snow stations in our area it appears that with the recent warm weather, somewhere between half and two-thirds of Nicola Basin snow has already melted and is moving through the system.  With weather forecasts that project little precipitation over the next 10 days, the risk of freshet flooding is low,” added Lowis.

The Province has informed the City that a gate change will occur at the Nicola Lake dam today.

“(The gate change is) to reduce flow from the lake starting tomorrow, with the intent of capturing more of the melting snowpack and ensure there is sufficient water to fill the lake,” stated Lowis.