While the flood-related restrictions and closures remain in place, decreases in river levels are aligned with previous forecasts.
The Shuswap River appears to have peaked on June 3 at 485 cubic metres per second and a level of 5.049 metres. Since that time, the river levels have decreased and now stand at a flow rate of 459 cubic meters per second and a level of 4.920 metres, which is close to the June 2 values as the river climbed to its assumed peak. This positive trend has led to flood waters beginning to recede.
The weather forecast for this weekend is calling for rain, although the predicted levels have been reduced from earlier this week.
Over the next 10 days, the Shuswap River is predicted to gradually decrease to 431.6 cubic metres per second on June 14. It is anticipated that the forecast precipitation will cause the rate of decline to ease and even flatten, but it is not predicted to produce an incline in river levels.
Despite this good news, the BC River Forecast Centre is continuing to maintain a High Streamflow Advisory for the Shuswap River, as flooding at low-lying levels is occurring.
Predictions are exactly that – forecasts based on the best available information at the time. Information usually becomes more accurate the closer that we get to a particular date, and it can change rapidly due to emerging variables. If your property is at-risk of flooding, please take appropriate measures to protect it. Sand and sandbags are available for free at the Public Works Yard at 2308 McGowan Avenue – please bring your own shovel.
The public is advised to stay clear of rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period. Stay safe, stay dry, and respect the immense power of the waters that flow nearby.