(File photo: CKPG).

By Stephanie Swensrude

FLOOD WATCH

Northern B.C. communities monitoring water levels, preparing for potential flooding

Jun 5, 2022 | 10:36 AM

NORTHERN B.C. — Communities in northern B.C. are keeping an eye on rising river levels, and some are preparing for flooding.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has placed a flood watch on the Skeena River, including the Bulkley River and surrounding tributaries around Telkwa, Smithers, Hazelton, Kispiox and Terrace.

The City of Terrace said in a news release that it is preparing for floods as the most recent projections show a slight increase in flood risk to 10-year predicted levels, with the potential for 20-year levels.

The City is preparing for the installation of Tiger Dams at critical city infrastructure in low-lying areas. Staff is monitoring these at-risk areas through the weekend and can scale up the response if needed.

Terrace used the situation as a teaching moment — crews installed a Tiger Dam at the Skeena Street lift station Saturday (June 4) under the direction of an Emergency Management BC (EMBC) representative. More information about preparation in Terrace can be found on their website.

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There is currently an evacuation alert in effect for parts of the Town of Smithers due to the flood watch. The alert was issued on Thursday (June 2). The alert is for low lying areas around the Bulkley River: Riverside Drive, Riverside Park Campground and the Smithers Fall Fair Grounds.

“An evacuation alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary,” reads the alert on the Town’s website.

Smithers residents who would like sand and sandbags can call 250-877-1183.

BC Wildfire Service crews assisted in the Smithers area with flood preparation. The Telkwa Rangers Unit Crew filled sandbags as communities prepared for a potential flood this weekend.

The Cariboo plateau, including the Nazko River, West Road River, Baker Creek and tributaries to the west of Quesnel are under a high streamflow advisory.

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) activated their Emergency Operations Centre on Friday (June 3) in response to the advisories and forecast weather trends.

Cariboo residents can sign up for emergency alerts on the CRD website. If sand or sandbags are needed, the CRD says residents can call the public information line at 1-866-759-4977.

The City of Williams Lake also activated its EOC in response to increased water load at a historic beaver dam site high above Juniper Street off South Lakeside Drive, according to a news release on their website.

The City reduced the water level by around six inches, with controlled release continuing until it is no longer determined to pose a risk. They will continue to monitor levels and provide updates as they come available.

The public is advised to stay clear of the fast‐flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high‐streamflow period.