Waterways like the Chase River have an elevated chance of rising higher than usual this spring due to a heavy snow pack and steady rains. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

high snow pack

High snow pack leads to flooding concerns across BC, threat eased on Van Isle

May 11, 2022 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — British Columbia’s latest snow survey shows the snowpack is 13 per cent above normal levels, creating an increased risk for spring flooding.

The May 1 Snow Survey Bulletin says a colder-than-normal April and start of May in the province delayed the snow melt.

Vancouver Island’s snow pack level registered at 108 per cent of normal as of May 1, well up from the 74 per cent rate a month earlier.

“The combination of colder temperatures and above normal precipitation significantly increased the Vancouver Island snow pack compared to April 1,” the BC River Forecast Centre stated.

Last month was the wettest April on history in Nanaimo, coupled with colder than average temperatures further bolstering regional snow pack levels.

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Currently no river level warnings are in place on Vancouver Island.

High stream flow advisories, and flood watches were recently applied in the Thompson, Cariboo, Peace and Northeast portions of the province.

The BC River Forecast Centre noted snow level is only one factor related to the spring flooding, and the risk of flood is possible even with normal or below-normal snow packs.

The BC River Forecast Centre says the risk will also depend on the temperature and rate of snow melt and how much rain comes with that at the same time.

It says the risk for major flooding would be a period of persistent cool temperatures and wet weather in late spring, followed by a sudden heat wave lasting at least five days.

The BC River Forecast Centre says it will continue monitoring snow pack conditions and will provide an updated seasonal flood risk forecast in the May 15 bulletin, which is slated for release on May 20.

— with files from The Canadian Press

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