High snowpack and warm temperatures mix for higher than usual river flow

This time last year, the Upper Fraser East Basin was at 77 per cent of normal.

According to Campbell, we’re now finding ourselves knee-deep in the high flow season. In fact, for the Fraser River flowing through Prince George, river flow is at 150 per cent of normal which is unusual this early in the year, with forecasting showing we could be experiencing high flow levels for the next few weeks.

“Certainly with the rivers high, there’s less capacity to absorb any other runoff that comes from the snowmelt or rainfall. Maybe the next two to three, maybe even four weeks, is that critical window where we are very sensitive to any kind of weather pattern that will accelerate the snowmelt (hot weather, heavy rain) that will add to the initial runoff. I do think these next few weeks are critical.”

The River Forecast Centre is closely monitoring what’s coming in the next week having referenced a potential of a high-pressure ridge coming through, however that has since shifted further east.

That being said, Campbell does say there is still potential that Prince George could get into that flood stage if temperatures reach above seasonal.

by Ethan Ready

High snowpack and warm temperatures mix for higher than usual river flow

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