Federal data shows Thompson River decreasing after weekend peak

Water levels in the Thompson River appear to be dropping after a late-season peak.

According to federal hydrometric data, the Thompson nearly hit the 7.8-metre mark early Saturday morning before falling to 7.5 metres as of Sunday afternoon. Late Sunday night, the river was at 7.43 metres.

Last week, B.C. River Forecast Centre head Dave Campbell said Kamloops-area rivers were expected to begin receding over the weekend, after a cool spring resulted in a delayed snowmelt and freshet.

Campbell said water levels could remain unseasonably high for weeks, leaving them vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Greg Wightman, City of Kamloops’ utility services manager, said last week that the city is measuring potential for a storm, and noted residents should remain cautious and stay away from riverbanks.

“It's flowing extremely high, very fast right now. It's not safe to be around the rivers,” Wightman said.

Wightman said the city’s boat launches will likely remain closed through the Canada Day long weekend due to safety concerns.

City boat launches have been closed over the last couple of weeks. According to the city, high water levels impede Kamloops Fire Rescue from executing river rescues as their boats are unable to move underneath bridges.