Flood Risk ‘Normal’ In Nechako and Fraser Basins
Prince George, B.C. – The River Forecast Centre says while many rivers in B.C. are flowing above normal levels for early April, most areas are heading into the Spring Freshet facing a normal level of risk of flooding.
The snowpack in the Nechako basin was reported at 106% of normal as of April 1st, while the Upper Fraser East was 71% and the Upper Fraser West was at 75% of norm. So while the area may be spared from flooding, the Centre indicates the low snowpack levels in the Upper Fraser basin have increased the risk for low steamflows this summer.
According to the Centre, the Okanagan and Nicola basins are expected to have higher than normal seasonal runoff while high snowpack in the Lower Fraser ( greater than 120%) have increased the likelihood of higher than normal freshet flows in the Lillooet River and tributaries…
There are still a few weeks left in the snow accumulation season so changes are possible, although the Centre says ” at this stage would require extremely wet or cool conditions to make a significant impact on seasonal flood risk by either accumulating more snow, or delaying the melt season.”
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Forecast is for snow tonight and tomorrow morning
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