Snowpack still high in South Thompson River basin

NEWS — The snowpack is above normal in the South Thompson and normal in the North Thompson, according to the latest snow survey released by the River Forecast Centre.

Stream flow in both basins was above average in May, says the centre, caused in part to persistent rainfall. The South Thompson is at 126 per cent of its normal snowpack, while the North Thompson is 101 per cent.

A high streamflow advisory for the North Thompson is ended.

Due to the high snow melt rate in May, flood risk due to rapid melting is now unlikely and it would take extreme rainfall to renew the risk.

“On the South Thompson River and Shuswap Lake, higher elevation snow is still feeding ongoing rises in river and lake levels, with a peak expected by mid-June,” says the report.

Environment Canada forecasts a continue likelihood of above-normal temperatures across the province but especially through the south and southwest.