Thompson River is rising
Stay out of the river — that placid-looking Thompson is churning under the surface and can pose great danger.
In the past few days, the river has begun to level out and has reached a height of 343 metres.
Once the river hits 343.8 metres, red-stage alert is enacted.
This means inspections are increased to twice daily, including weekends; required repairs due to bank erosion are carried out; public boat launches are closed and boat traffic is limited.
“With the rise in water levels, the city has been working on filling catch basins, testing portable pumps and inspecting dykes,” said Tom Marstaller, the city’s utility services manager.
According to the River Forecast Centre, the cool April and May led to a delay in the onset of snow melt by up to four weeks.
As a result, there remains a significant amount of water left to drain into the rivers and the weather over the next couple of weeks will determine how fast the water will come.
Based on information provided from Environment Canada, the River Forecast Centre and Water Stewardship Branch, no significant changes in the river level are expected through the weekend.
Residents who need sandbags can pick them up, free of charge, at the public works centre, 955 Concordia Way, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and anytime at the following fire stations: 1205 Summit Dr.; 2-1578 Tranquille Rd.; 3-1625 Valleyview Dr.; 4- 615 Porterfield Rd.; Heffley Creek; and 5300 Dallas Dr.
The city posts on its website river levels measured at Overlanders Bridge.
For more information, residents can also visit the River Forecast Centre website here.
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