With creek and river water levels expected to rise in response to storm weather this weekend, West Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services is reminding North Shore residents to keep a safe distance from waterways while exploring outdoors.
A high streamflow advisory was issued yesterday by the B.C. River Forecast Centre for the province’s North Coast, Central Coast, Vancouver Island, and South Coast, which includes Metro Vancouver and the North Shore mountains.
A cold arctic outflow affecting the province over the past week will switch to moist, mild weather systems this weekend, with up to 100 millimetres of precipitation expected over western-facing slopes in the Lower Mainland.
Heavy mountain snow accumulation is expected throughout the province, with lower elevation creeks and rivers most at risk, the advisory notes.
In particular, high river flows are expected Sunday through Monday, and the public is advised to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.
In a tweet last night, West Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services advised that water levels in our local rivers and creeks will be running high and people should maintain a safe distance from all creek banks.
High streamflow advisory for #WestVan. Water levels in our local rivers and creeks will be running high. Please maintain a safe distance from all creek banks. #BCStorm
— W V Fire & Rescue (@WestVanFireDept) February 20, 2021
