British Columbia, Canada is Threatened by Increasing Flood Risk: Hydrologists and Meteorologists on High Alert

Flooding poses a potential threat in British Columbia, Canada.

It is only a matter of time due to above-average cold temperatures across the province, according to the latest reports. Both hydrologists and meteorologists are on high alert following an issued warning for increasing flood risk.

Over recent weeks and months, some Canadian provinces have experienced massive overland flooding as inland bodies of water overflow due to heavy rain.

The melting of ice in the region has also contributed to elevated floodwaters recently.

British Columbia Flooding

(Photo : Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

River Forecast Centre Hydrologist, Jonathan Boyd, issued a warning that B.C. is not salvaged from flooding this year, highlighting that the risk is a worst-case situation, as cited by the Canada-based Tri-City News.

Boyd clarifies that the years with the greatest flood risk had cold temperatures during the months of April and May. Instead of the melting of 'mid- and low-elevation snow,' it sticks around for a prolonged period of time.

With this, a hot high-pressure ridge heatwave occurs for several days then this snow accumulation will melt simultaneously, resulting in flooding, the hydrologist adds.

Also Read: Canada: Overland Flooding Hits Winnipeg, Manitoba: Rainfall Warning in Place

Heightened Alert

As part of the B.C. report of the River Forecast Centre on Tuesday, May 10, there is "considerably" a higher risk of spring flooding since colder the said cold temperatures of the current season are delaying the climatic process of snowmelt.

Between April 1 and May 1, the average snowpack across the province has increased from 99% to 113%, according to the River Forecast Centre, as cited by Canada's major television network Global News.

In response to the potential threat, hydrologists and meteorologists are closely on the lookout in the coming days.

Aside from heatwaves, the experts are also concerned about the occurrence of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms; such combinations are favorable for flash floods or overland flooding.

There was no specific date provided for such flood risk. However, Boyd highlights there is no such threat in the next 10 days from Tuesday, as cited by the two Canadian media outlets. As Canada's summer season is approaching next month, Boyd reportedly intends to know the fire weather conditions or potential rainfall in June.

The hydrologist claims sudden and intense warming will be detrimental to flooding and suggests that a gradual heat is ideal to avoid any large-scale flooding, according to Tri-City News.

Canada Overland Flooding

Overland flooding is one of the most destructive natural hazards in Canada. It occurs when water from inland bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or streams overflows and enters houses and other establishments as a result of either torrential rain, snowmelt, or other climatic factors.

The Government of Canada stated overland flooding, on a yearly average, costs the country millions of dollars of property damage. In addition, the Canadian government underlined such flooding can occur at any region or time of the year in the country.

Earlier this week, overland flooding has been reported in Alberta Province, forcing the evacuation of more than 1,000 people and the issuance of a state of emergency for the communities of Chateh and John D'or Prairie in the northern part of the province.

Related Article: State of Emergency: Overland Flooding Due to Heavy Rain Prompts over 1,000 Evacuations in Alberta Province, Canada