Flood Warnings and Advisories

Flood Watch – Nazko River and West Road River (UPGRADED)

Issued: 1:45 PM April 28, 2023

The RIver Forecast Centre is upgrading to a Flood Watch for:

• Nazko River and West Road River

Weather Synopsis:
A strong upper ridge has built across B.C. and will remain through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to rise up to +10°C above normal. Temperatures may lower slightly on Monday as a low-pressure system affects the South Coast. However, temperatures are expected to remain relatively high through next week.

River Conditions:

The Nazko River and West Road River region is a challenging area to forecast due to a shortage of snow measurement and hydrometric (river flow) stations. Based on current forecasts from the CLEVER model, the West Road River and Nazko River are expected to increase rapidly due to snowmelt from hot temperatures this weekend. The rivers could reach 5-year return period flows, or high higher, by Monday. Flows could continue to increase through the week depending on how much snow remains in the watershed.

The public is advised:
River levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly. Being near these riverbanks, creeks and fast-flowing bodies of water is dangerous:

• Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks
• Avoid recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating or hiking near high streamflow rivers or streams
• Remember, high streamflow can easily trap strong swimmers, increasing risk of drowning

During a Flood Watch, conditions can change quickly. Understand the risks and get prepared by visiting www.PreparedBC/floods

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

Contact for Media Relations, Ministry of Forests:
Tel:  778-698-8453

Levels of Warnings/Advisories:

1. High Streamflow Advisory: River levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Fast-flowing bodies of water increase risk to life safety. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
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.