High Streamflow Advisory

ISSUED: 1:25 p.m. November 15, 2019

The River Forecast Centre is issuing a High Streamflow Advisory for the Coast including:

• North Coast including Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Kemano River and surrounding areas
• Central Coast including the Bella Coola River, Kingcome River, Wannock River and surrounding tributaries
• South Coast including Howe Sound, North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas
• North Vancouver Island including Gold River, Zeballos River and tributaries around Port Hardy and Port Alice

An atmospheric river event is expected to impact the British Columbia coast over the weekend, bringing heavy rainfall and warming temperatures. Rainfall forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada are indicating the potential for 2-day total precipitation amounts in the 100-150mm range in areas along western and northern Vancouver Island and the Central Coast. Lesser rainfall amounts are forecast on other areas of Vancouver Island, South Coast and North Coast regions. Peak rainfall intensities are currently forecasted for Saturday night, lasting into early Sunday morning.

Current hydrologic modelling is indicating the potential for peak-flows in the 2-year to 5-year return period, focused around areas with the highest forecast rainfall. Ten- to 20-year return periods could be possible for smaller stream systems. River levels are expected to rise through Saturday, with peak levels expected through Sunday and into Monday.

The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the period of rapid-rising river levels.
The River Forecast Centre will continue to monitor the conditions and update this advisory as conditions warrant.

View the advisory.

November 15, 2019