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A high streamflow advisory is in effect for the Squamish River

The heat wave is quickly melting high-elevation snow and glaciers in the region.
Squamish RiverGettyImages-184282405
The Squamish River as it flows through Brackendale.

Keep yourself, kids and pets clear of local rivers, folks. 

A high streamflow advisory is in effect for the Squamish River, including tributaries such as the Elaho River. 

The heat wave is quickly melting high-elevation snow and glaciers in the region.

The River Forecast Centre issued the alert on July 27. 

This advisory means that river levels are rising or are expected to rise rapidly but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

There's also a general advisory in effect for Sea to Sky Corridor rivers and creeks, especially glacially-influenced ones. 

The public is warned to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and unstable banks for the next bit. 

This includes ensuring pets are on a leash to avoid them getting swept away. 

The Squamish River is currently flowing at 742 cubic metres per second, which is slightly above a one-year return period flow. That's higher than the average once-in-a-year peak river height. 

"Flows are expected to continue rising but are unlikely to reach two-year return period flow [of 1,350 cubic metres per second] levels in the upcoming days," reads the advisory. 

"Although rivers and creeks in the Sea-to-Sky are unlikely to reach peak flood levels experienced typically from rain and rain-on-snow events in the fall, the upcoming flows are expected to be highest experienced in late July. Extreme caution should be taken for those travelling to the backcountry during the current heat event." 

 

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