Listen to the broadcast version of this story, which aired on Kootenay Morning on May 29, 2026:
By Jaime Frederick, Local Journalism Initiative
On Thursday, May 28, the Province’s River Forecast Centre issued a flood watch for areas of the Interior including the West Kootenay, East Kootenay and Upper Columbia. Affected areas in the West Kootenay include tributaries around Trout Lake, Lardeau River, Kaslo, Nakusp, Nelson, and surrounding areas. They also issued a high streamflow advisory for the Boundary, including headwater tributaries on the Granby River and surrounding areas.
Warmer weather over the past few days has led to increased snowmelt rates and rising river levels through the region. An upper low is advancing across the US northwest, and is expected to bring severe weather, including moderate to heavy rainfall, into BC later today and extending through Monday and early Tuesday.
Current modelling indicates rainfall totals of 50 to 100-plus mm of rain, with areas of heaviest precipitation to be focused around the Upper Columbia, East Kootenay and into the West Kootenay. There is still uncertainty in the location of the storm track with this system, and if it shifts westward from its current projected movement, it could bring higher rainfall amounts into BC.
Rivers have been rising due to accelerated snowmelt this week. Convective rain earlier in the week demonstrated how responsive rivers are to rainfall in areas of the Kootenays. High flows are expected late-Friday through Monday or Tuesday across the region. Current high end precipitation scenarios in weather models indicate the potential for flooding through the Kootenays and Upper Columbia.
Weather scenarios that lead to a more easterly trajectory of the storm track, in Alberta, may lead to more muted river responses in BC.
A High Streamflow Advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
Fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to safety. Stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable. Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and current can be life-threatening.
