The BC River Forecast Centre has issued high stream flow advisories for the North Thompson and it’s tributaries, including the Clearwater River.
Forecaster David Campbell says high flows will likely continue through next week.
“We’ve got maybe a day or two here of easing but there’s the expectation of temperatures building again into the weekend and then next week Clearwater has temperatures up into the high 20’s or maybe even low 30’s which really is quite exceptional for that area. So we really are expecting quite rapid snow melt later next week.”
He says there’s a flood watch on the Shuswap River.
The Thompson River near Spences Bridge is also under a high stream flow advisory.
In Kamloops, city Utility Services Director Greg Wightman says the Thompson has been rising about 20 to 30 centimetres a day at the gauge by the Overlander Bridge.
He’s cautioning people to stay back from river banks over the long weekend.
“Anybody who’s out around any river this weekend just use extreme caution. Whether just on a boat or playing along the shoreline there, make sure kids and pets are safe and keep them away from the waters edge because its running fast and high.”
In Merritt, Mayor Neil Menard is hoping the worst is now behind them.
“The Coldwater River is starting to rise and usually when that happens the Nicola starts to back up a little bit, so we’re concerned for those folks who are on the Nicola River and in town, but I think we’re going to be okay.”
Merritt has seen evacuations on a few occasions over the last few weeks.