Heat wave could create peak flows like 1948 or 1972: BC River Forecast Centre

May 20, 2022 | 5:25 AM

KAMLOOPS — Flood risk continues to increase in Kamloops and the overall Fraser River.

According to the B.C. River Forecast Centre’s (BCRFC) latest snow survey and water supply bulletin, there is a risk that an extreme heat wave lasting at least five days in late May or June could create peak flows like 1948 or 1972. The provincial snowpack levels for May 15 are the highest since 2012.

The North Thompson snowpack saw another increase, sitting at 142 per cent of normal, up from 128 per cent on May 1. According to BCRFC, 130 per cent is well above normal snowpack.

The North Thompson, along with the Upper Columbia basin (123 per cent), sits in the highest average percentile (90^th).

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Meanwhile, the South Thompson basin also saw an increase as of May 15. It is slightly above normal at 113 per cent snowpack. However, since the South Thompson borders the North Thompson and Upper Columbia, the BCRFC says it’s possible that the snowpack is slightly higher than the snow basin index suggests. The South Thompson, along with the North Thompson and Upper Columbia have a higher risk of flooding.

According to BCRFC, approximately 18 per cent of the annual provincial snowpack has melted by May 15. However, due to persistent cool temperatures delaying snowmelt and storm events, it’s estimated that only 2.6 per cent of the total snow has melted.

Another snow conditions and water supply bulletin is scheduled to be released June 8.

(Image credit: BC River Forecast Centre).

by Aaron Schulze

Heat wave could create peak flows like 1948 or 1972: BC River Forecast Centre

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