Potential Flood Risk
By Jo Anne Malpass
Flood risk continues to increase through much of the province primarily due to delayed snowmelt caused by persistent cooler spring temperatures. This delay has led to the highest provincial snow pack levels for May 15th since 2012. The greatest risk for potential major flooding is if a prolonged heat event occurs in June, says the May 15 water supply bulletin from the BC River Forecast Centre.
On June 2, a high stream advisory was issued for the Salmon River. “Steady warming this week is leading to increasing snowmelt rates and river runoff. While low and mid elevation snowpack is now depleted, higher elevation areas (above 1600m) have experienced a delayed melt this year, and significant snowpacks remain.”
The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.
During times when there is a risk for potential flooding, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District makes sand and sandbags available in key locations throughout the area for property owners to access. In the South Shuswap, the usual locations are the fire halls. Updates about sand and sandbag locations if they are needed, will be posted on the CSRD website and Facebook page.
Sandbagging is one of the most versatile flood fighting tools and is a simple, effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage, when done correctly, says the CSRD Shuswap Emergency Program. “If your property is prone to flooding, please take the necessary measures to protect structures, equipment and materials before flooding is imminent.”
During excessive surface runoff, flooding or lake turnover also affects water systems sourced from the lake. The Sorrento Water system was on a boil water alert from May 6 to 13. A high turbidity (cloudiness) level may impair the effectiveness of the water disinfection treatment system.
The CSRD Alertable app is a multi-purpose communication service used to send alerts to residents, businesses, and visitors during critical events like fires or floods as well as for relevant communications, such as water advisories. The mobile app can be downloaded on Google Play or Apple App Store. It also allows users to access DriveBC and Environment Canada weather alerts.
