The provincial River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for the Cariboo and Chilcotin (Fraser Plateau) which includes Prince George.
Tributary rivers and streams around Nazko, Chilako, Prince George, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Alexis Creek, Anahim Lake, Cache Creek and surrounding areas are all affected.
Cold spring weather over the past month has transitioned to climbing temperatures over the past several days throughout the B.C. Interior.
Daily maximum temperatures over the past few days have been in the in 10-15˚C range in Williams Lake and Prince George, compared to the sub-zero daily maximum temperatures that persisted earlier in the month.
Snowmelt has begun across the region over the past few days, with reports that the rapid transition in temperatures may be playing a factor in increased overland flow due to frozen ground conditions and ice-jamming.
River levels through the region have been rising quickly over the past several days, with high flows being observed in small tributary rivers and creeks throughout the Interior Plateau from Cache Creek north through Williams Lake, Quesnel and west across the Chilcotin.
Temperatures are expected to continue to rise today (April 19) and into Monday, with daytime high temperatures up to 17-19˚C forecasted for Prince George and Williams Lake.
Snowmelt rates are expected to increase with this warming, and streamflow is expected to continue to increase through Monday to Tuesday.
The River Forecast Centre says the public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.
