High Streamflow Advisory issued for the South Coast

The River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for the South Coast including:

• Howe Sound including the Stawamus River and surrounding creeks and tributaries

Residents are urged to use extra caution around all local waterways and tributaries, and keep well back from the river banks - especially with children and pets. A rapid rise of water levels can be expected.

An atmospheric river storm event is expected to impact the south coast of British Columbia on Sunday and Monday. Rainfall amounts are forecast between 50-200mm. Freezing levels are expected to rise into the 1500-2000 m range during the storm. Snowmelt from mid-elevation terrain may add to runoff for this event. In watersheds with higher terrain, including the Squamish River and Lillooet River, snow may be the dominant form of precipitation, and river responses are expected to be lower than more coastal areas.

River levels are expected to rise rapidly in response to heavy rain. High streamflow is expected on rivers throughout the region, with the highest flows expected on Monday and possibly Tuesday.

The River Forecast Centre will continue to monitor conditions and will update the advisory as conditions warrant.

January 26, 2018