High Streamflow Advisory Issued for Interior BC Including Vernon Area

May 13 2026, VERNON, B.C. - The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for parts of British Columbia’s Interior, explicitly naming the North Okanagan, including tributaries around Vernon and surrounding areas, as one of the affected regions.

The advisory, released at 10:45 a.m. on May 13, 2026 by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, covers the Upper Columbia, West and East Kootenay, North and South Thompson River tributaries, Okanagan, and Boundary regions.

Check BC River Forecast Centre for UPDATES at https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm

Rivers across these areas are already flowing at high seasonal rates following heavy snowmelt over the past week. A shift in weather is now underway, with a low-pressure system forecast to bring dropping temperatures and moderate to heavy rainfall through Saturday.

Mountainous headwater areas around Revelstoke, Golden, Shuswap Lake, Monashee Mountains, Valhallas, Purcells, Clearwater and Blue River could see 30 to 70+ mm of precipitation from today through Saturday.

With rivers having less capacity to handle additional runoff, hydrologic modelling indicates streamflow could reach the 2-year range across the region, with potential for some areas to hit 5-year flows or higher. Streamflow simulations are sensitive to rainfall amounts, and localized heavier rain is possible.

The River Forecast Centre stresses that fast-flowing rivers pose increased safety risks. Residents are advised to stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable, and never drive through floodwaters.

A High Streamflow Advisory means river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is anticipated. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

The Centre continues to monitor conditions and will issue updates as needed.

Source: BC River Forecast Centre, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (High Streamflow Advisory – Interior, issued May 13, 2026).

High Streamflow Advisory Issued for Interior BC, Including Vernon Area