The BC River Forecast Centre has re-issued a HIGH STREAMFLOW ADVISORY and FLOOD WATCH for the Kicking Horse River as well as the Thompson and South Fraser Rivers. The Province has confirmed the Kicking Horse River having reached a 20-year water height event in the last few days.
While water levels continue to fall or stabilize in the region, the potential for the Kicking Horse River to rise again is likely as local and eastern rain events in the past 24 hours and up to 15 mm predicted for today begin to again affect the river’s flow. The outlook following Sunday predicts an introduction of a weak ridge of high pressure and a trending return to seasonal temperatures, but a general continuation of unsettled conditions is expected to prevail.
Given current conditions, the public is urged to use extreme caution around river banks and should avoid areas that have any flood potential.
The Golden and Area Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) maintains at Response Activation Level 1, meaning the situation can be managed within Golden by normal operational means.
The Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centre in Nelson and the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre in Victoria are both at appropriate Response Activation Levels. Each is providing necessary support, including timely and detailed meteorological products.
Flood control measures currently in place on the dyke and in the laneway between the Highway 95 highway bridge and the timber frame pedestrian bridge will remain over the weekend. The public is asked to respect this closure and not enter this area until it has been lifted.
Professional hydrological analysts and flood protection crew support have arrived in Golden to provide situational advice and operational support to reinforce the deployed resources in the laneway as required.
