One Okanagan community has been put on evacuation notice and several others are making preparations, as flood risks, river levels and temperatures are all expected to rise in parts of the province this weekend.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert for the Regal Ridge subdivision on Anarchist Mountain, near Osoyoos. Officials gave notice that 11 homes may be required to evacuate, and residents should be prepared to leave at short notice.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre released an official advisory Thursday, warning of possible flooding in the Southern Interior.
A combination of larger than average snow packs throughout the province, a delayed onset of the seasonal melt, and an expected sharp increase in temperature has created an elevated seasonal flood risk, said David Campbell, head of the B.C. River Forecast Centre.
Low-lying areas near tributaries and medium-sized rivers at especially at risk , including Kelowna near Mission Creek, Salmon Arm near the Salmon River, and Merritt near the Nicola River, said Mr. Campbell.
Communities in affected areas are preparing for high seasonal flood risks this year.
Merritt implemented its Flood Prevention Plan this week, laying sandbags along the banks of the Nicola River, said Carole Fraser, deputy clerk for the City of Merritt.
Last week, Kelowna emergency crews and municipal employees conducted a practice run to ensure readiness, said Tom Wilson, spokesperson for the City of Kelowna. "Right now, we're just in 'wait and see' mode," he said.
At this early point in the season, no activity is expected in the province's larger rivers, such as the Fraser and the Thompson. However, depending on conditions going forward, that could change, said Mr. Campbell.
Mr. Campbell said that towards the end of next week, his office will begin "looking more closely at what's going on in the bigger rivers, as we enter into that period of time where they have the opportunity to have some flood potential."