Flood Risks Drop in the Northwest, Heightened Risks Remain for Northeast

Well if April showers bring May flowers, then BC is quickly learning that May showers bring June flood risks.

While river levels across the north, particularly in the west, have calmed quite a bit, the River Forecast Centre still has some alerts in place.

High Streamflow Advisories remain in place covering the Bulkley River and its tributaries near Smithers, Telkwa and the Hazeltons, and the Swift River and neighbouring streams.

A Flood Watch in the Peace has been downgraded to a High Streamflow Advisory covering rivers and tributaries near Fort St John, Taylor, Moberly Lake, Chetwynd, Hudson’s Hope, and Dawson Creek.

And one Flood Watch remains in place covering the Liard River and its tributaries near Fort Nelson and Watson Lake.

Current peak forecasts in the Skeena and Bulkley are predicting maximums of 2 year flood-levels, a contrast to the 20 to 100 year levels from the last few weeks.

But, with significant snow packs persisting, the Centre is warning of a possible flood-risk escalation in July.