High water levels at the Shuswap River. (file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

Heavy Rainfall and Rising River Levels

UPDATE: High Streamflow Advisory rescinded

Jul 9, 2025 | 12:23 PM

UPDATE: 11:40 a.m. July 10

An advisory that was issued in response to heavy rainfall in the area has been lifted.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre lifted the High Streamflow Advisory for the Lower Thompson area Thursday, July 10. The advisory covered nearly all of the North Okanagan, with the exception of Vernon, Coldstream and the Okanagan Indian Band.

The advisory was issued Wednesday, July 9, as a storm front moving through the area was expected to bring 80 to 100 milimetres of rainfall over a 24 hour period.

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The region that includes the majority of the North Okanagan has been issued a warning about flood risks.

A High Streamflow Advisory was issued for the South Thompson and Upper Columbia areas Wednesday, June 9.

The South Thompson region includes all of the North Okanagan with the exception of Vernon, Coldstream and the Okanagan Indian Band.

A High Streamflow Advisory issued for the South Thompson Wednesday, July 9 (image courtesy of the B.C. River Forecast Centre)

The advisory warns of a weather system moving through the area could cause water levels to rise in the Upper Columbia and South Thompson tributaries.

“There remains uncertainty as to the exact locations and rainfall totals. High-end scenarios indicate the potential for localized rainfall amounts reaching up to 80 – 100 mm with enhancement of rainfall anticipated from embedded thundershowers,” the B.C. River Forecast Centre said in a release attached to the High Streamflow Advisory.

“Current weather forecasts have the heaviest rainfall focused on the northern Monashee Mountains and Thompson Plateau. Adjacent areas in the Upper Columbia region may also experience moderate to heavy rainfall.”

The rainfall is expected to raise water levels in area rivers Wednesday and Thursday, which could cause localized flooding in low-lying areas.

The River Forecast Centre advised people be cautious of fast flowing water, and be prepared for minor flooding events.