The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for Squamish River, including tributaries such as the Elaho River. It is also in effect for the Sea to Sky Rivers and Creeks, especially those that are influenced glacially.
Rivers and creeks in the Sea-to-Sky region with high elevation snow and glacier contribution are experiencing significant rises due to the heat wave, the river centre says.
The Squamish River near Brackendale is currently flowing at 742 m3/s, slightly above a 1-year return period flow. Flows are expected to continue rising but are unlikely to reach 2-year return period flow (1,350 m3 /s) levels in the upcoming days.
Although rivers and creeks in the Sea-to-Sky are unlikely to reach peak flood levels experienced typically from rain and rain-on-snow events in the fall, the upcoming flows are expected to be highest experienced in late July.
The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period. Extreme caution should be taken for those travelling to the backcountry during the current heat event.
