Atmospheric river ranking system still not implemented in B.C.
Months after atmospheric rivers triggered a catastrophic series of landslides and floods, there seems to have been little progress in implementing a ranking system for the weather events despite a timeline set out by the public safety minister.
In November, when he was asked about a one to five categorization system developed by American researchers, Mike Farnworth seemed keen on the idea.
"We are very pleased that the federal government is putting in place, is working with Environment Canada, a ranking system for the atmospheric rivers. That will assist, I think, us greatly in getting an understanding of exactly what the nature of an atmospheric river is," Farnworht said during a Nov. 22 news conference.
"It is, obviously, a new term that I think most of us are now becoming familiar with. They have a ranking system in the states. That will allow us to, I think, prepare more effectively. My expectation is, from what I've been told, that will be coming, looking to be implemented at the beginning of January 2022."
But when CTV News asked about the implementation as another series of atmospheric rivers was barrelling toward B.C., the public safety ministry directed us to Environment and Climate Change Canada, citing a new, vague timeline of having a system sometime “in the future.”
The meteorological agency said they have their own internal colour-coded forecasting tool, but described it as having limitations and being a work in progress. A meteorologist said they send their predictions to provincial officials, but an EMBC communications officer said they had not received a ranking on Monday afternoon.
AMERICAN RESEARCHERS ANTICIPATE LEVEL 3 EVENT
While a warning preparedness meteorologist with ECCC described the scale as “not quite ready” for public distribution, American researchers specializing in atmospheric rivers published an analysis and prediction for a Level 3 event.
“Flooding is possible in western Washington and southwestern B.C. due to the combination of heavy rainfall, moist soils, and existing snowpack at lower elevations,” wrote analysts at the Centre for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the Scripps Institute at UC San Diego.
While no government agencies have officially adopted the Scripps Institute’s scale, it’s already being cited and used as reference by meteorologist and planners who follow their forecasts and projections.
Much like a tornado or hurricane ranking system, the analysts say the forecast can change while providing a quick and easy to understand snapshot of the conditions for the general public.
ECCC said they’re working on several measures to better communicate weather events and risks to the public as part of years-long planning and development work.
WHAT ABOUT ALERT READY?
Another issue that saw the province in the hot seat during November’s lethal flooding and slides was the reluctance of emergency officials to use the Alert Ready system, which had a narrow set of parameters for its implementation amid confusion over how the emergency text alert technology works.
Less than two weeks after the flooding, the B.C. RCMP used the Alert Ready system during an active shooter situation in Prince George, marking the first time Alert Ready had been used in B.C. in four years, while other provinces use the technology dozens of times per year.
When CTV News asked whether Emergency Management B.C. was willing to trigger Alert Ready texts if the weather called for it, and they said they are.
“Should a community, or communities, feel there is an imminent threat to life or public safety, the Province stands ready to use the Alert Ready program and issue what we call a broadcast intrusive alert,” they wrote in an email. “Emergency Management B.C. reviews every significant event and will review these events and the lessons we need to learn to be better prepared for emergencies.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.