City of Kamloops closing all city-owned boat launches as river levels rise

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops announced it is closing all city-owned boat launches to the public starting Friday (June 10) to limit access to the North and South Thompson Rivers.

In a news release Thursday (June 9) morning, the City says it’s part of its Flood Response Plan, and due to Kamloops Fire Rescue having limited response capabilities due to the high waters.

On Tuesday (June 7), the City closed the pathway between Riverside Park and Pioneer Park at the railway overpass due to water flowing over the pathway. City crews will also remove the railings from the pier at Riverside Park Thursday to prevent damages from debris.

Residents are asked to take precautions against rising waters. The City says it has provided sand and sandbags for residents who require temporary flood protection.

The public is reminded to stay away from creeks and rivers during freshet as high waters are extremely dangerous. Residents can report any issues they see to the Civic Operations Department at 250-828-3461.

According to the B.C. River Forecast Centre, the North and South Thompson basins have substantial snowpacks as of June 1, 2022, relative to seasonal norms. The North Thompson is listed at 175 per cent of normal, while the South Thompson is at 157 per cent.

The North Thompson River and its tributaries around Barriere and Clearwater remain on high streamflow advisories.

As of publication, real-time hydrometric data from the federal government shows the Thompson River’s level at 6.726 metres.