Spring freshet flooding occurs as a result of rapid snow melt, or a combination of rapid snow melt and additional input from rainfall. Snow pack plays an important role in seasonal flood risk by providing a plentiful source of water available for melt and runoff. In years with elevated snow packs there is an increased likelihood of flooding. However, whether or not flooding occurs depends on the weather conditions during the snow melt season, and flooding cannot be forecast as a result of snow pack levels alone. The greatest risk for flooding results from above normal snow packs combined with well above normal temperatures and/or heavy rainfall during the snow melt season. Given the necessary adverse weather conditions, flooding can occur in years with or without high snowpack.

Source: BC river forecast centre