Kevin Deckert has lived in Avola, 75 km north of Clearwater, since 1986 and has been measuring the river's levels for decades.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, he told Black Press Media the river had risen about six feet in a few days.
"That is higher than spring run-off when it is five feet," he said, adding the water's colour is also very dark.
Normally the river is flat too, he said.
"I can launch my canoe to go up river at this time of year normally. I wouldn't do that right now. I would caution everyone to be very careful. It is moving fast."
Avola has a main creek that flows off the mountain into the river and there is an old mill pond at the site where logs were sorted in the past.
"Right now the mill pond is level with the river. It's really weird," he said.
The Ministry of Water, lands and Resource Stewardship confirmed Thursday afternoon a flood watch remains in effect for the headwaters of the North Thompson River above Blue River.
And a high streamflow advisory remains in effect for Canoe River, Blue River, headwaters of the Clearwater River, North Thompson below Blue River, Upper Columbia and Upper Fraser.
Rainfall has eased through the region, with drier weather expected into the weekend, noted the ministry.
"Most of the gauged rivers have now peaked and are decreasing. Flows are rapidly decreasing in the Canoe River after peaking near a 50-year return period level - possibly the highest flow on record for the gauging station - on Wednesday (September 25) afternoon, and are now below the 1-year return period level."
Fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to life safety and the River Forecast Centre continues to monitor the conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant.
A flood watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
