Close X
Monday, September 23, 2024
ADVT 
National

Hot spell hikes risks of flooding, avalanches and fire across British Columbia

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 27 Apr, 2023 10:03 AM
  • Hot spell hikes risks of flooding, avalanches and fire across British Columbia

VANCOUVER — As British Columbia heads into its first warm spell of the year, forecasters are warning the heat could raise avalanche and flood risks, while the danger of wildfires has already nudged up to a "moderate" rating in some parts of the province.

The River Forecast Centre website says temperatures are expected to be at least 10 degrees above normal for many areas of the province right through the weekend before cooler weather and rain arrive next week.

The centre says mid-elevation snowpacks could begin rapid melting, issuing high streamflow advisories for areas north of Prince George, across the Cariboo, parts of the Shuswap and south through the Okanagan to the U.S. border.

Avalanche Canada predicts the sudden warming could also create dangerous conditions across every mountain range in Western Canada and it says the hazard will increase daily, raising the possibility of very large, deep avalanches running from mountain top to valley bottom.

While advisories urge those in the backcountry to use extreme caution on mountain slopes or near river banks, the wildfire service website shows a large region between Kamloops, Bella Coola and Prince George is ranked at a moderate risk of fire and two areas within that zone ranked "high" or "extreme."

Melting snow exposes dry, dead grass, and the wildfire service reports six small blazes have occurred over the last 24 hours in central B.C., including a seven-hectare fire rated as out of control west of Lillooet. 

MORE National ARTICLES

3 people found dead inside a home in the Fraser Heights area of Surrey: IHIT

3 people found dead inside a home in the Fraser Heights area of Surrey: IHIT
Police say all three are believed to be members of same family and no one else was found on the property. No details of the ages or genders of the deceased have been released.  

3 people found dead inside a home in the Fraser Heights area of Surrey: IHIT

Driver allegedly bear-sprayed in road rage incident in Richmond, suspect described as a South Asian male

Driver allegedly bear-sprayed in road rage incident in Richmond, suspect described as a South Asian male
According to the victim, a black Hyundai sedan was driving closely behind him through the Massey Tunnel and both vehicles exited Hwy 99 on the Steveston Hwy off-ramp. The victim stated at this point, both he and the other driver stopped and exited their vehicles, which is when the driver of the Hyundai allegedly sprayed the victim with bear spray.  

Driver allegedly bear-sprayed in road rage incident in Richmond, suspect described as a South Asian male

PICS's President and CEO Satbir Singh Cheema Awarded Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee

PICS's President and CEO Satbir Singh Cheema Awarded Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee
Satbir Singh Cheema’s contributions to his community have not gone unnoticed. He has led many initiatives to identify service gaps in the community to be able to advance the mission of PICS. Under his leaderships and guidance PICS Society has expanded their services in many areas and locations, reaching and helping thousands of people.

PICS's President and CEO Satbir Singh Cheema Awarded Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee

Transport minister to talk travel woes with MPs

Transport minister to talk travel woes with MPs
Thousands of Canadians had their flights cancelled or delayed due to poor weather, while hundreds of others were left stranded in Mexico after the vacation airline Sunwing axed their trips home. The company has since apologized and said the cancellations were due to winter storms that swept across the country before Christmas Day.

Transport minister to talk travel woes with MPs

B.C. pastor charged for sex offences on children

B.C. pastor charged for sex offences on children
It says after a lengthy investigation by the department's major crime unit, three charges each of sexual assault and sexual interference have been laid against Pastor Edwin Alvarez. Police haven't released which Christian church the pastor was caring for, other than to say it was at a small, Metro Vancouver location.

B.C. pastor charged for sex offences on children

VPD investigates homicide at Fairview shelter

VPD investigates homicide at Fairview shelter
The victim, a shelter resident, died in hospital around 10:30 p.m., after being stabbed during an altercation with another person near Yukon and West 5th Avenue. No arrests have been made.

VPD investigates homicide at Fairview shelter