Here we go again — time to prepare for the potential spring freshet! RVCA uses stream gauges, weather stations, surveys of snow conditions, meteorological forecasts and computer models to determine the possibility of flooding. The RVCA estimates the severity, location, and timing of possible flooding and warns accordingly based on the four stages of the Flood Warning Index. RVCA maintains a flood forecasting and warning system that aims to reduce danger to people and property by providing local agencies and the public with advance notice and information.
As a property owner, you need to assess your emergency plan for minimizing flood-related property damages. If you don’t have a plan, now’s the time to make one. There are lots of excellent online resources on how to prepare your family’s emergency plan. Should flooding occur, the first response is up to you, the homeowner!
To get up-to-date information on local watershed conditions, you can sign up for RVCA’s flood forecasting and warning emails — join our mailing list at www.rvca.ca — look for “Get RVCA News.” For more information call BRIAN at ext. 1141 or brian.stratton@rvca.ca.
Flood Warning Index
• Normal — No flood conditions exist.
• Awareness — Be informed and aware.
— Water Safety Statements — High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
— Flood Outlook Statements — Early notice of the potential for flooding cased on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lake shore flooding or erosion.
• Flood Watch — Be prepared to active your flood response plans if it becomes necessary. Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas found prepare.
• Flood Warning — Activate your flood response procedures now! Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
Interested in accessing real-time information on stream flows, water levels and snow measurements? Our interactive monitoring tool (maps and graphs) can be seen online at www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions/streamflow-water-levels.