High Streamflow Advisory for Howe Sound issued

The River Forecast Centre is issuing a High Streamflow Advisory for South Coast including Howe Sound. 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. 

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), a strong Pacific storm is on the way this afternoon into Friday for the BC coast. The total rainfall amount of 100 to 150 mm is expected for Central Coast, and North and West Vancouver Island, and 60 to 90 mm for Howe Sound, Metro Vancouver and North Shore.

Based on these amounts of forecast rainfall and the current hydrometric conditions, the current hydrologic modelling indicates that the river systems in these regions are expected to rise significantly and to peak at flows between the 2- and 5-year return periods on Friday. Floods about or over the 20-year return period levels could also be likely for some of the smaller stream systems.

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 provides updates as conditions warrant.

January 2, 2020