The BC River Forecast centre has issued a flood watch in the West Kootenay.
“A significant upper low pressure system has developed into Washington state and is brining an eastern flow of moist air through the Kootenays,” the Forecast Centre update states. “Heavy rain occurred overnight with rainfall amounts in the 30 to 60 mm. range observed at BC fire weather stations in the West Kootenays.”
Additional heavy rain is forecast today and into tonight for the Boundary, Arrow Lakes, Kootenay Lake and West Kootenay regions.
River levels in the West Kootenay have been rising rapidly over the past 12 hours and the three rivers of concern are: Slocan River near Crescent Valley, Salmo River near Salmo and Duhamel Creek above Diversions.
“In the West Kootenay rivers may reach flood stages,” the update states.
A flood watch is issued when river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.