Monitor River Levels
NO ADVISORIES | UPDATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2024
With the onset of winter weather, “atmospheric river” events are now regularly impacting British Columbia. Atmospheric rivers are corridors of water vapour that are carried out of ocean tropics and can result in significant rain and snow. “Pineapple Express” storms are a specific type of atmospheric river that originate northeast of Hawaii and frequently impact the Pacific coast of North America. Atmospheric rivers vary in intensity and most are not a cause for significant concern.
With the help of the BC River Forecast Centre, the City of Merritt keeps a close watch on the Coldwater and Nicola river levels during atmospheric river events. You too can monitor river levels by visiting the webpages of the “Coldwater River Near Brookmere” and “Nicola River at Outlet of Nicola Lake” hydrometric stations. In general, flooding becomes a concern for Merritt when the discharge level at the Coldwater River station reaches 80m³/s or the discharge level at the Nicola River station reaches 40m³/s. As a historical reference, the 2021 flood saw discharge from the Coldwater River in excess of 260 m3/s before the hydrometric station was damaged. Typical Spring Freshet sees discharge around 50 – 75 m3/s.
Monitor the latest alerts at BC Flood Warning & Advisory.
*Navigate the map, click on the Station Centre circle. Click “more info” in the pop-up text box to open the latest advisory.
BE PREPARED
Be Prepared
Preparation is key. Residents are responsible for flood prevention on their own private property. If your property is near any water source, you may want to be prepared for overland flood. Sandbagging and drainage ditches are your best bet.
If your property is in a low-lying area, you may be susceptible to groundwater seepage into your basement or ground floor. Installing a sump pump and improving drainage around your home is recommended. Also be sure to clear your drains and gutter system. It is also recommended that you ensure that your land slopes away from your home, and, if necessary, install land drainage.
If you need to construct a sandbag dike or wall to protect your property, the City has a sandbagging facility in the Public Works parking lot at 1298 Coldwater Avenue. Also get some sandbagging tips and information from Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR).
Other Emergency Preparedness Tips
- Prepare an emergency plan and have a plan for evacuation of your family, pets or livestock. Visit the Get Prepared webpage before a flood for additional tips on what to do before, during, and after a flood.
- Assemble a 72-hour kit disaster preparedness kit and acquire the tools and supplies that might be needed before, during and after a flood. Make sure your emergency kit includes enough food, water, a first-aid kit, identification and medications for your entire family.
- Place your important documents and identification on an upper floor in a sealed plastic bag.
- Review insurance available for your property. Some coverage is available for overland flow and surface water; typically groundwater damage is not covered. The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness expects property owners to obtain flood insurance, when and where available. Property owners who choose not to obtain flood insurance, where available, may not be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance.
- Know where the power and water shut-off is in your house.
- Do not to pump water into the sanitary sewer system. It is only designed to accept typical household water waste.
- Sign up for emergency alerts on the Voyent Alert app. Monitor the City of Merritt’s news page, facebook page and twitter feed (@CityofMerritt). And visit the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Emergency Page for up-to-date information on emergencies in our regional district.
Prepare for Power Outages
Power outages and emergency situations can happen at any time. BC Hydro works throughout the year to minimize their impact, however, it’s important to always be prepared and understand what to do before and after an outage, as well as in emergency situations involving downed power lines.
See a downed power line? Stay back and call 911
A power line that’s fallen on the ground, is hanging too low, is damaged or is contacting another object is a danger. A downed line is an emergency and it’s important to know what to do if you come across one.
Never touch or try and move a downed, damaged or low-hanging power line because it may still be live, even if it’s not sparking or making any sound. Be sure to stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a city bus) and report it to 911.
If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a power line, follow these steps to keep yourself and others safe.
VISIT BC HYDRO
Watering Restrictions | Level 3
The City of Merritt is maintaining Level 3 Watering Restrictions year-round as a measure to practice sound water conservation principles and prevent more severe watering restrictions mid-summer.
Level 3 watering restrictions allow lawn watering 2 TIMES a week:
- EVEN # Addresses: Thursday & Sunday
Odd # Addresses: Tuesday & Saturday - Manual Sprinkler: 6am–8 am OR 7pm–9pm
- Automated Irrigation: 12am – 2am
- Gardens: Drip Irrigation or Handwatering with user-controlled auto-shut-off valve: Anytime. (Does not include lawns).
- Washing: with user-controlled auto-shut-off valve: Anytime.
- Pools & Ponds: Top up only.
- Bulk Water Sales: Permitted.
See the Outdoor Watering Policy and more: merritt.ca/watering
Other Tips
Driving in Winter
With the onset of winter, take the time to check highway conditions by calling DriveBC at 1-800-550-4997 or by visiting the DriveBC website. You can use the DriveBC website to view real-time road conditions via webcam. It’s also worth putting together a winter emergency kit for your vehicle.
Historical Winter Weather in Merritt
Did you know that Merritt experienced set its lowest recorded temperature ever at -42.8°C in December 1968? Or that Merritt experienced record single-day snowfall with 42cm in December 1974? You can learn more about average and record winter temperatures and snowfall in Merritt by visiting the Environment and Climate Chance Canada website.
Avalanche Safety
If you’re planning on heading into the BC backcountry during the winter, be sure to check the Avalanche Canada map for detailed information regarding avalanche risks before leaving. Avalanche Canada’s Avy Savvy online course is also an excellent introduction to basic avalanche safety.
PreparedBC Guide
PreparedBC has produced a detailed guide overviewing how you can prepare yourself and your family for severe winter weather.
