Snowpack higher, flood risk up slightly

NEWS — The snowpack in the North and South Thompson is slightly higher than normal for this time of year, says the latest advisory from the B.C. River Forecast Centre released today.

Readings for April show the North Thompson at 102 per cent of normal and South Thompson at 114 per cent. As a result, the centre said the seasonal flood risk is moderately elevated in the South Thompson basin.

Seasonal volume runoff forecasts show higher than normal runoff coming for Nicola Lake and near normal for the Thompson basin, but the center says actual volume can vary greatly depending on the weather.

“Weather during the snow melt season is a critical factor in determining if flooding will occur,” says the river centre.

“Adverse weather, including extended periods of heat or high intensity or prolonged precipitation can result in flooding in years with normal, or even below normal snow packs.”

Warm weather in early May has led to ripening of the snow at mid to high elevations and most basins are now in the melt season where adverse weather conditions could pose a flood risk.

Environment Canada predicts an increased chance of above normal temperatures for May through July for most of the province.