Tagish Engineering Ltd., in its report to council, stated that due to the significant snowfall this season, there will be a strong possibility of well above average snow melt runoff in the spring. Snowpack actually creates a very effective dam and snow blockages at culvert inlets and outlets, as well as snows pack in drainage channels and road ditches may cause or create temporary water-bodies in many areas.
When the snow pack finally lets go, downstream flooding, property damage and/or road damage can easily occur, especially if the water is discharged too rapidly.
Free thaw cycles in early spring can also exasperate these problems.
Tagish Engineering recommends that areas that may be susceptible to highwater or high flow damage be inspected for potential problems, and potential snow blockages be considered prior to spring runoff to head off and, perhaps, minimize and control these potential problems.