Rain melting snow in B.C. prompts warnings for waterways and highways

VANCOUVER – Warm and wet weather forecasts have prompted warnings for Interior waterways and highways in B.C.

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a high stream flow advisory for the southern Interior including the Okanagan, Thompson, Boundary and Similkameen regions.

The centre says high temperatures have led to rapid snow melt, prompting rivers and streams to rise.

That, combined with moderate to heavy rain in the forecast, means there is a potential for minor flooding in low-lying areas.

The saturated ground has already set off a mudslide that caused a partial closure of Highway 1 through Glacier National Park between Golden and Revelstoke.

The Transportation Ministry is warning that warm, wet weather is affecting mudflow activity and that may require highway closures this long weekend.