River flow levels in the North Thompson Valley appeared to have moderated somewhat as of the middle portion of last week from where they were during the weekend.
According to the River Forecast Center’s website, discharge of the North Thompson River at McLure dropped from a peak of just over 1,900 cubic meters per second on May 28/29 to under 1,600 cubic meters per second on June 1.
“We mostly look at McLure. It’s kind of the choke point,” said Ron Storie, emergency services supervisor with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. “When the flow there reaches 2,000 to 2,100 cubic meters, then we definitely get flooding in Blackpool, Little Fort, Darfield and possibly Vavenby.”
As of press-time late last week the only flood warnings or advisories in effect in the TNRD were for the Nicola and Bonaparte rivers.
Storie advised local residents living near rivers, lakes and streams to pay attention to what is happening with water levels and to check the relevant pages on the River Forecast Center website.
“They should know the hazard and have a plan and an emergency kit in place,” the emergency services supervisor advised.
“They also should know the number to call: 1-800-663-3456. That gives them provincial Emergency Coordination Center. If it’s a flood, the ECC will likely call the local government. I would then call the person back, and then possibly call the MoT (Ministry of Transport) or MoF (Ministry of Forests) to coordinate a response.”
Storie said the TNRD has information of flood preparations and sandbagging available through Facebook and Twitter.
A cache of 10,000 sandbags has been located at the District of Clearwater offices and another cache is by the firehall in Barriere.
Residents requiring sandbags for protection of private property can obtain them during working hours by calling the District of Clearwater at 250-674-2257 or District of Barriere at 250-672-9751.
