Ministry of FLNRO

Provincial River Outlook

Provincial River Outlook
Issued: May 27, 2016 3:00PM

Weather over the past week has been dominated by low pressure systems with cooler temperatures and showers. Precipitation totals over the past week were in the 0-20 mm range for the western half of the province and 10-50mm range for the south interior, central interior, south-east and north-east.


With cooler temperatures, snow melt rates have eased slightly with typical melt rates of 15-20mm/day being observed at Automated Snow Weather Stations that have snow remaining. The province’s snow melt continues to be earlier than normal, with late-May conditions being more typical of snow pack that is normally observed in late-June.


Most snow melt driven rivers of the province have experienced the peak of the freshet season, and are now experiences declining flows as snow packs become depleted. As a result, seasonal flood risk is now declining. On-going flood risk from extreme precipitation still exists.


Weather over this weekend is expected to continue to be unsettled with cooler temperatures. More sustained rainfall is forecast for north-east BC. High pressure is forecast to build into next week, with drier and warmer weather forecast for the first half of next week.


River levels are expected to remain stable across the province over the next week. Moderate rainfall in the north-east will lead to moderate rises in river levels through that region, however high flow conditions are not expected.


Freshet information, including current streamflow conditions and hydrologic model output is available on the River Forecast Centre website.


With improving seasonal conditions, this will be the final Provincial River Outlook of the season, unless a significant change in weather conditions warrants and update.


The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant. The June 1st Snow Bulletin will be issued on Wednesday, June 8th.

Please note that the information provided in the commentary is interpreted based on various information sources with inherent uncertainty, inaccuracy, and errors. The information should be treated as generalizations, and is subject to change. Users of this information do so at their own risk, and must accept all responsibility for its use and interpretation.