Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

NORTH & SOUTH THOMPSON

City freshet update: heavy rain could spike river levels early next week

Jun 29, 2022 | 4:19 PM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops remains vigilant when it comes to river levels throughout the city, as the weather forecast for Monday could bring more rain to the region.

According to Greg Wightman, Utility Services Manager for the City, there’s potential for an extreme weather event early next week, in the form of rain.

Environment Canada isn’t quite sure where exactly that system is going to settle at this point, so the city plans to stay on alert.

“We’re seeing a severe event, potentially, into early next week — Monday or Tuesday of next week,” Wightman explains. “Again, not certain where that event is going to hit. Everywhere from Washington up to the Yukon could be in the middle, it could settle over the North or South Thompson. Based on that, the river forecasts are remaining quite drastic into next week. While we do have a bit of reprieve over the weekend here, some nice warm weather, there is the possibility of the rivers spiking again into Monday.”

With the continuing high water, the City is keeping boat launches closed for the time being, while also asking boaters to stay off the rivers.

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High water levels and significant amounts of debris make it dangerous and difficult for rescue crews, should an incident occur on the water.

“We are asking people to stay off the water. I know it’s going to be hot, it’s going to be sunny. People are going to want to be near the water, but please, stay away from the rivers this weekend,” Wightman says. “If we can get through one more weekend and the early part of next week without any drastic events, we should be in a much better condition and see the rivers subside a bit.”