UPDATE — May 31, 2026, 12:00 p.m.: The flood alert previously issued for the Upper Columbia, Kootenay River, and Lardeau River regions has been reduced to a flood watch.
In the North Thompson River and West Kootenay areas, the flood watch has been lowered to a high streamflow advisory. Additionally, the high streamflow advisory for the South Thompson and Boundary areas has been lifted.
The Southern Interior of British Columbia continues to face flood concerns, leading to evacuation alerts for more than 150 properties. The Regional District of East Kootenay placed 97 properties, including various stratas and campsites along Fairmont Creek in southeastern B.C., under an evacuation alert due to heightened worries of debris flooding or flows. This alert was issued following approximately 17 millimetres of rain recorded in five hours at the Fairmont weather station.
Although Fairmont Creek has not breached its banks, the district highlighted that upper debris traps are accumulating debris, with more rainfall anticipated in the upcoming days. The River Forecast Centre has cautioned about substantial snowmelt in recent days due to warm weather, with heavy rainfall expected in the region soon.
The Upper Columbia and Kootenay River areas are facing a flood warning, indicating that river levels have surpassed bankfull levels or are expected to do so shortly, leading to potential flooding in adjacent areas.
Areas including the North Thompson River, West Kootenay, and East Kootenay regions south of Invermere are under a flood watch as river levels rise towards bankfull capacity. On the other hand, the Upper Fraser, South Thompson, and Boundary areas are under a high streamflow advisory, suggesting a possibility of minor flooding in low-lying areas as river levels rise, without significant flood risks.
Several communities along the Lardeau and Duncan rivers in the Central Kootenay area, including Cooper Creek, Meadow Creek, Marblehead, and Poplar Creek, are on evacuation alert, with nearly 200 homes affected. The Regional District of Central Kootenay mentioned the rapid rise of the river, signaling a potential overflow, although no property damages have been reported.
In Golden, B.C., six additional properties have been under evacuation alert since Friday afternoon. Moreover, a water quality advisory has been issued for Edgewater, urging about 700 residents to be cautious due to high water turbidity from spring runoff.
Lastly, the River Forecast Centre has warned of severe weather conditions, including moderate to heavy rainfall, over the weekend until early Tuesday. People are advised to steer clear of rivers and riverbanks, and to avoid driving through floodwaters.