The flood warning previously issued for the Upper Columbia area, Kootenay River area, and Lardeau River has been adjusted to a flood watch as of 12:00 p.m. on May 31, 2026.
In the North Thompson River and West Kootenay regions, the flood watch has been revised to a high streamflow advisory. Additionally, the high streamflow advisory has been lifted for the South Thompson and Boundary areas.
Despite the downgrade, flood alerts persist in various parts of B.C.’s southern Interior, prompting the evacuation alert for over 150 properties. Late Saturday, the Regional District of East Kootenay issued an evacuation alert for 97 properties along Fairmont Creek in south-eastern B.C., citing concerns about potential debris flooding due to significant rainfall.
Although Fairmont Creek has not breached its banks, the district highlighted that upper debris traps were accumulating debris with more rain anticipated in the near future. The River Forecast Centre has cautioned about snowmelt and upcoming heavy rainfall, contributing to the flood warnings in the Upper Columbia and Kootenay River areas due to elevated river levels.
Moreover, flood watches are in effect for the North Thompson River, West Kootenay, and East Kootenay areas, signaling rising river levels approaching bankfull capacity. The Upper Fraser, South Thompson, and Boundary areas are under a high streamflow advisory, indicating possible minor flooding in low-lying areas as river levels increase.
Communities along the Lardeau and Duncan rivers in the Central Kootenay area are on evacuation alert, including Cooper Creek, Meadow Creek, Marblehead, and Poplar Creek. Despite the rising river levels, no property damage has been reported yet.
Furthermore, a water quality advisory has been issued for Edgewater, B.C., due to high water turbidity from spring runoff, urging vulnerable groups to consume boiled water or a safe alternative. Additionally, a section of Highway 1 between Revelstoke and Golden has reopened following a landslide spurred by warm weather and overnight rain.
The River Forecast Centre has warned of severe weather with moderate to heavy rainfall expected over the weekend through early Tuesday, advising caution near rivers and floodwaters. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Kootenay Park, East Kootenay, and Elk Valley areas, forecasting significant rainfall over the weekend.
Meteorologist Bobby Sekhon highlighted the ongoing unsettled weather in the southern Interior, emphasizing the need for balanced rainfall to counter drought conditions. Environment Canada has also cautioned about potential flooding in Banff and Calgary due to high river levels and anticipated rain in the coming days.