High Streamflow Advisory issued

ISSUED: 2:00 PM November 2, 2020

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

• South Coast including tributaries around the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound, Squamish, North Shore Mountains, Fraser Valley and surrounding areas
• Vancouver Island including West Vancouver Island, Central Vancouver Island, South Vancouver Island and East Vancouver Island

The Advisory includes the following information: A frontal wave is anticipated to slide down the British Columbia coast later Monday and into Tuesday. Rain, potentially heavy amounts, is expected through to late-Thursday, when temperatures are expected to drop, and weather is expected to dry. Rainfall totals forecast for the first wave of rainfall through Tuesday are in the 100-150mm range for West Vancouver Island, and in the 50-70mm range for other areas.

River flows are expected to rise through Tuesday and into Wednesday, and potentially remain elevated through Thursday.

The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.

The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor the conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant.

The BC River Forecast Centre is part of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

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A High Streamflow Advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected.  Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull.  Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

A Flood Warning means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result. 

November 2, 2020