A high streamflow advisory was ended Friday for the Lillooet River near Pemberton and the surrounding creeks and tributaries.
The B.C. government’s River Forecast Centre ended the advisory after scores of homes and farms in the valley were flooded on Wednesday, forcing about 20 residents from their homes, and the issuance of an evacuation alert for parts of Pemberton and some Lil’wat First Nation members.
One of the hardest hit farms was North Arm Farm, which is owned by local MLA Jordan Sturdy and his family. The 21-hectare farm was almost completely covered in water, requiring a major cleanup.
The evacuation alert in Pemberton was downgraded to a high streamflow advisory — which meant no major flooding was expected — on Thursday due to decreasing river flows, but the Squamish Lillooet Regional District said that because more rain was forecast, residents “are encouraged to review their personal preparedness plans.”
Despite Friday’s downgrade, the forecast centre said it would continue to monitor conditions and provide an update if things change.
It also cautioned the public to stay clear of rivers during heavy rain due to fast-flowing water and unstable riverbanks.
The regional district said that upwards of 70 mm and unseasonably warm weather caused the flooding, which was compounded by a tropical air system triggering snow melts into the Squamish and Lillooet River watersheds.
Meanwhile, for Vancouver Island — where river systems are expected to peak on Sunday — flood warnings remained in effect Friday for Campbell River, and the Somass River including the Sproat River and surrounding tributaries and creeks near Port Alberni.
There are also high streamflow advisories for Central Vancouver Island except for the Port Alberni area, and Courtenay (Puntledge) Rivers.
“As a result of an approximately 36-hour break between weather systems, most rivers on Vancouver Island have receded,” said RFC. “The Somass River has continued to ease (Friday) due to decreasing input flows from the Ash River and Sproat River. Local reports indicate flooding persists in some areas near Port Alberni adjacent to the Somass River. Unregulated rivers on Vancouver Island have also dropped and are now close to average seasonal flow conditions.”
RFC said total rainfall from Friday until Sunday is expected to be 70 — 90 mm for the inland Vancouver Island mountains, up to 150 mm for west and north Vancouver Island, and 50 to 100 mm for east Vancouver Island.
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