High streamflow advisory issued for Prince George

The B.C. River Forecast Centre issued a high steamflow advisory for the Fraser River around Prince George on Wednesday afternoon.

The advisory also applies to the Chilako River, Chuchinka River, Salmon River and surrounding areas, and extends south through Quesnel and Williams Lake.

“A strong upper ridge is forecast to build across B.C. on Thursday and into the weekend. Temperatures are expected to rise to well above normal (+10°C above normal), with temperatures by Saturday reaching up to 23°C in northern areas (Prince George) and 27°C in the Okanagan (Kelowna),” the River Forecast Centre said in a statement. “River responses will be variable across the region, with watersheds containing a high degree of mid-elevation terrain expected to have the most significant increase in river levels over the weekend… Extremely high flows, including potential flooding, is possible over the weekend in these areas.”

Temperatures are forecasted to remain high until Sunday, and areas at mid-elevations are “expected to respond with sharp rises in snowmelt rates over the weekend,” the statement said.

The public is advises to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks, and avoid fishing, swimming, boating or other activities near or on rivers with high streamflows.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the City of Prince George said city parks and trails may close as early as May 1, in response to rising water levels. Rising water levels could result in evacuation alerts being issued for residents along Farrell Street as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, the city added.

"Things are changing very quickly," city emergency programs manager Tanya Spooner said. "The emergency programs team will closely monitor the rivers over the next few days and we urge people living in areas prone to flooding to prepare for a possible evacuation. That means reviewing or updating your evacuation plans, making sure you have emergency kits ready, and so on."