Snow survey stokes flood fears in B.C.
An above-normal accumulation of snow in the mountains that feed the Fraser River has contributed to an increased risk of spring flooding in some parts of B.C.
A snow survey completed in early March pegged the average snowpack across the province at 119 per cent of normal — up significantly from 108 per cent of normal on Feb. 1. The Fraser River snow index is 110 per cent of normal.
While the majority of snow usually accumulates by early March, La Nina conditions mean “it is unlikely that the risk will ease much prior to the melt season,” said the survey conducted by the B.C. River Forecast Centre.
In the worst-case scenario, a rapid melt combined with heavy rain could lead to spring flooding.
“Intense or prolonged rainfall and extreme temperatures are important factors that can lead to flooding,” said the survey.
In the Lower Fraser basin, a high snowpack (122 per cent of normal) could increase flood risk on the Lillooet River and tributaries, as well as higher inflows to the lower reaches of the Fraser River.
Other areas with above-normal snowpack include the southern Interior, where the Similkameen snowpack is 144 per cent of normal and the Okanagan is 141 per cent.
Last year, high water flows into several Okanagan lakes combined with rain to cause widespread flooding. About 2,500 people were evacuated from their homes.
A report on the provincial flood response published Wednesday concluded the decisions by provincial officials were “appropriate.”