The National Weather Service in Spokane issued a flood warning for the Kettle River in Ferry County at 1:17 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
     Minor flooding is forecast for Monday afternoon.
     The warning is expected to last until Thursday evening or until it is canceled, according to the weather service.
     The Kettle River at Ferry near the Okanogan County border was at 17.5 feet at noon Sunday, with flood stage listed at 18.5 feet, according to the weather service.
     When the river reaches 19 feet, flooding is expected at Beal Park, about nine miles from Curlew on West Kettle River Road, according to a weather service announcement.
     The weather service warns drivers never to drive trucks or sport utility vehicles through flooded areas because the water may be too deep to allow for safe passage.
     Near-record temperatures, combined with above-normal snow pack, has forced many rivers above flood stage over the area, the announcement continued.
     Cooler weather is expected Tuesday and would slow the rate of snow melt, according to the weather service advisory.
     The highest historical level on the Kettle River at Ferry was 21.15 feet May 29, 1948, according to the weather service Web site.
     There also is a small stream flood advisory for Ferry and Okanogan counties, according to a separate weather service announcement.
     The small stream flood advisory for melting snow is expected to remain in effect until 8 a.m. Monday.
     Water level rises on creeks in Ferry County were modest Saturday, according to officials.
     Ferry County emergency manager Greg Palmier said Saturday the sheriff's office will keep a close watch on area waterways.