The flood warning previously issued for the Upper Columbia region, Kootenay River area, and Lardeau River has been revised to a flood watch status. Similarly, the flood watch for the North Thompson River and West Kootenay regions has been scaled down to a high streamflow advisory. Additionally, the high streamflow advisory for the South Thompson and Boundary areas has been lifted.
Despite these updates, flood alerts persist across much of British Columbia’s southern Interior, leading to the evacuation alert for more than 150 properties. The Regional District of East Kootenay issued an evacuation alert for 97 properties, including stratas and campsites along Fairmont Creek in southeastern B.C., due to concerns over potential debris flooding or debris flow following sustained rainfall.
Although Fairmont Creek has not overflowed, the district noted that upper debris traps are accumulating debris, with more rain anticipated. The River Forecast Centre has highlighted significant snowmelt in recent days due to warm weather and the likelihood of heavy rainfall in the coming days.
The Upper Columbia and Kootenay River areas are under a flood warning as river levels have surpassed bankfull levels or are expected to do so soon, leading to potential flooding in adjacent areas. The North Thompson River, West Kootenay, and East Kootenay areas south of Invermere are on flood watch status, indicating rising river levels nearing bankfull capacity.
Areas like Upper Fraser, South Thompson, and Boundary are under a high streamflow advisory, suggesting the possibility of minor flooding in low-lying regions as river levels rise. Notably, nearly 200 homes in various communities along the Lardeau and Duncan rivers in the Central Kootenay area are under evacuation alert, including Cooper Creek, Meadow Creek, Marblehead, and Poplar Creek.
Furthermore, a water quality advisory has been issued for Edgewater, B.C., due to high water turbidity resulting from spring runoff. Residents are advised to boil water or find a safe alternative, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Lastly, a section of Highway 1 between Revelstoke and Golden has reopened after a landslide triggered by warm weather and overnight rain. The River Forecast Centre has warned of severe weather, urging people to avoid rivers and river banks and to refrain from driving through floodwaters. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Kootenay Park, East Kootenay, and Elk Valley areas, anticipating significant rainfall over the weekend.
Meteorologist Bobby Sekhon highlighted the ongoing unsettled weather in the southern Interior with forecasts of more rain. Sekhon emphasized the importance of balanced rainfall during this critical period, especially to counteract drought conditions. Environment Canada has also cautioned about potential flooding in Banff and Calgary due to high river levels and expected rain.