The threat of flooding has abated somewhat as the River Forecast Centre has cancelled its high streamflow advisory for the Fraser River between Prince George and Quesnel.
It has also ended its high streamflow advisory for the Nechako River through Vanderhoof through to Prince George and for the Dean River.
High streamflow advisories for the Bulkley River including tributaries around Houston, Smithers and adjacent areas and for the Nautley Riverincluding tributaries and lake levels around Burns Lake, Francois Lake, and surrounding areas have been downgraded.
Dwindling snow packs in some areas has resulted in stabilization of many rivers throughout the region, according to the River Forecast Centre. River levels remain high in rivers fed by higher elevation terrain, and hot weather earlier this week is expected keep river levels high into the weekend.
Flows in the Nautley, Nechako and Bulkley Rivers and tributaries have been easing, and significant rises are not expected into the weekend.
On the Fraser River, tributary flows have been increasing, and additional rises in river levels are expected through Prince George through Quesnel today and into the weekend. At this point levels are not expected to reach levels experienced earlier last week.
With the flood situation in many parts of the province beginning to stabilize, the Government of British Columbia has amended its request for federal assistance to support B.C.’s response to flooding.
Under the terms of the amended request, many of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) troops who have assisted with flood response efforts in communities throughout British Columbia will begin returning to their base in Edmonton. Departures of the CAF troops will be staggered with the first troops leaving on May 24, 2018, and the last leaving by end of day on May 26. This staggered approach ensures troops are available should the flood situation worsen.
A contingent of over 100 B.C.-based CAF troops will remain in Chilliwack, available to support flood-response efforts in the Fraser Valley, if needed. Additional rescue resources from CAF and the Canadian Coast Guard, including watercraft and aircraft, will also remain available to support provincial efforts, if needed. These resources can be called upon and deployed in as little as 24 hours.
