East Kootenay area upgraded to a flood watch

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has upgraded the East Kootenay area to a flood watch.

They listed Elk River near Fernie, Bull River near Gardner, and Kootenay River at Fort Steele as some rivers “approaching 2-year return period flows.”

“Flows in the 5-year to 10-year return period range are likely, with flows in the 20-year range or higher being possible,” said a River Forecast Centre statement.

Increased snowmelt rates and rainy weather have led to the rising water levels in the area, and more rainfall expected Monday and Tuesday will contribute as well.

“Modelling is indicating risks for flooding over the Monday and Tuesday period, particularly in the East Kootenay region … given the uncertainty in the position of the weather pattern and heaviest rainfall, it is possible that adjacent areas in the West Kootenay and Upper Columbia also experience significant flows.”

The River Forecast Centre said a high streamflow advisory is in effect for the Upper Columbia, South Thompson, and West Kootenay areas.