Flood Warnings and Advisories

ENDED - High Streamflow Advisory - Cowichan River, Sproat/Somass River
ISSUED: 2:00 PM January 14, 2021

The River Forecast Centre is ending a High Streamflow Advisory for:

• Sproat River and Somass River
• Cowichan River

Lake sourced rivers on Vancouver Island, including the Sproat River and Cowichan River, are receding as water from this week’s heavy rain moves through the watersheds; flows are expected to continue receding due to relatively drier conditions compared to recent storm events.

River levels are expected to rise in response to this storm, with high flows expected overnight on Monday and through Tuesday. Prolonged wet weather over the past 1-2 weeks has led to ground saturation in some areas, and this may contribute to increased flows in response to this rainfall.

The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.

The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor the conditions and provides updates as conditions warrant.

Contact for Media Relations, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development:
Tel: 250 356-7506

Levels of Warnings/Advisories:

1. High Streamflow Advisory: River levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible. This is the lowest level.
2. Flood Watch: River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur. This is the intermediate level.
3. Flood Warning: River levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result. This is the highest level.