High streamflow advisory issued for Howe Sound, Sea to Sky

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for Howe Sound and the Sea to Sky.

As part of the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the River Forecast Centre issued a high streamflow advisory for the South Coast—including Howe Sound, Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast, plus a few areas in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island.

A high streamflow advisory means that “river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected,” according to the forecast centre.

“A frontal system is moving across coastal British Columbia today,” reads the advisory. “Early phases of the storm are expected to bring snow across mid and high elevations, with freezing levels rising through Wednesday up to 1,500 [to] 2,000 m. Precipitation forecasts between various weather models are showing some divergence, with moderate to heavy rainfall possible across the region Wednesday and overnight into Thursday.”

As a result, rivers are rising and expected to continue through Wednesday and into Thursday, according to the advisory.

“Modelling is indicating that high-end scenarios of precipitation and rain-on-snow could lead to streamflow reaching or exceeding two-year return period flow. Fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to life safety. The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor the conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant.”

For more information, visit the BC River Forecast Centre website.