Risk of spring flooding ‘elevated’ due to above normal snowpacks: B.C. River Forecast Centre

By Shelby Thom

The B.C. River Forecast Centre, which monitors snowpack across the province, says there is an ‘elevated’ risk of spring flooding due to above-average snowpacks across B.C.

In its April snow survey and water supply bulletin, the forecast centre said the average of all snow measurements across B.C. is at 12 per cent above normal.

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Spring weather is also a critical flood risk factor, where the timing and severity of temperature and rainfall patterns are important drivers of flooding irrespective of snowpack levels, the forecast centre said.

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“Warmer temperatures beginning the week of April 12 are expected to initiate the freshet season with low elevation snow melt and corresponding rises in streamflow, particularly in smaller creeks and low elevation areas,” the forecast centre said.

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“Scenarios that could exacerbate flood risk this year include prolonged cool weather followed by a rapid shift to persistently hot weather (particularly in May), or persistent wet weather or extreme short-term rainfall. Favourable scenarios would include continued dry weather and seasonal temperatures,” it said.