By Canadian Press

Flood stage in B.C. could remain for weeks with prolonged snowmelt or rain: expert

Jun 17, 2022 | 1:48 PM

VANCOUVER — British Columbia has reached the peak window of spring snowmelt, but experts say the dangers of flooding will persist for weeks with record snow in the mountains and unstable weather in the forecast.

Dave Campbell, head of the River Forecast Centre, says they believe the freshet runoff into rivers and lakes has reached its height, but is expected to continue melting for the next two weeks.

He says that the delay in snowpack melt this year will mean a greater risk of flooding will persist into July.   

Armel Castellan, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, says the forecast for July shows drier and hotter conditions for the province. 

Campbell says the hot weather scenario remains a “key concern” for flood risk after record snow fell this season and was late to melt, with a continued challenge of “ongoing, unsettled” precipitation in the short term.   

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Environment Canada has issued severe thunderstorm watches for East Columbia, East Kootenay and Kootenay Lake regions with conditions capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2022.

The Canadian Press