Kamloops city staff say the flood risk at smaller streams might peak in the coming days.

Utility services manager Greg Wightman says there’s no imminent flood risk but says the city is on high alert.

“We’re just reminding everybody who does live along the smaller streams just to be very diligent and prepare yourselves the best you can. We’re certainly not through the concern on the small streams yet, but hopefully if we can get through this week without any major weather events, the smaller streams are going to start to lessen a little bit anyways, in the concern they’re causing us right now.”

Wightman says warmer temperatures are on the way this weekend, and a convective storm is expected tonight that could bring heavy downpours in very specific areas.

He has said that Campbell Creek has caused the most trouble for spring flooding in Kamloops in recent years.

“Certainly at Campbell Creek, we’ve seen the water get to a point where it’s overwhelmed the culverts at Barnhartvale Road which is something that happens most years when there is high water. At this point we haven’t seen any of the road out onto Barnhartvale Road yet, there’s no impact to traffic. And like I say, we do continue to monitor that.”

Wightman also says that a new Smart Meter installed above Campbell Creek at the Blackwell Bridge, on Blackwell Road, has been a huge help to monitor the creek’s levels so far this spring.

He says less man-power has been needed, which has been especially helpful because of the COVID-19 pandemic.