The River Forecast Centre is updating the following advisories:
Flood Watch
- Upper Fraser River tributaries upstream of Prince George, including the McGregor River,
Willow River, Bowron River, Dakehl Territory and surrounding tributaries (UPGRADE) - Middle Fraser including the Cariboo mountains and tributaries east of ?Esdilagh and
Quesnel (including Quesnel River, Little Swift River) Secwepemc Territory and
surrounding areas (UPGRADE)
High Streamflow Advisory
- Fraser River mainstem including areas around Lheidli T’enneh, Prince George to Quesnel
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement on Sunday, May
21, indicating that heavy rainfall is expected on Tuesday, May 23. A significant and slow-moving low-pressure system developing over central Alberta will bring rain into the region. Light rain will begin Monday before becoming heavier on Tuesday. Rainfall totals could range from 20-40 mm, with higher amounts expected on east-facing mountain slopes.
Many rivers in the Cariboo and Upper Fraser are flowing very high for the time of year due to
recent hot temperatures and rapid snowmelt. With moderate to heavy rainfall possible on Tuesday, rivers could rise rapidly to potential flood levels. Conditions will be dependent on the location, duration and magnitude of the incoming storm event.
The public is advised:
- Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks
- Avoid recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating or hiking near high
streamflow rivers or streams - Remember, high streamflow can easily trap strong swimmers, increasing risk of
drowning - Understand the risks and get prepared by visiting www.PreparedBC.ca/floods
For emergency information and related resources, go to: www.EmergencyInfoBC.ca