Bench along Fraser in Paddlewheel Park on Thursday, June 7th    250News file photo

Prince George, BC – The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for rivers throughout the region in advance of a weather system that’s expected to bring heavy rain over the weekend.

Clouds will roll in and cover this morning’s sunshine, with forecasted rainfall amounts for tomorrow and Sunday estimated to be in the 15-45mm range across the Interior.

The advisory includes:

• the Fraser River in Prince George and upstream,
• the Nechako River near Prince George,
• the Skeena River and its tributaries, including the Bulkley river,
• the Cariboo region, including the Quesnel River

The advisory predicts area river levels will rise on Sunday and Monday in response to the rainfall, but by how much depends on the rain.  "Flows may return to flood stage on the Upper Fraser around Prince George.  Elsewhere there is uncertainty whether flows will approach flood stage."

Last weekend, an evacuation order was issued for 17 residences on Farrell Street in Prince George, and another six homes were on alert in the Foreman Flats area along the Fraser River.  (click here for previous story)  Those orders were rescinded on Monday.

The Centre says, in general, river levels dropped from their peaks last weekend, but levels remain high due to this week’s warm weather and snowmelt.  With the peak of the snowmelt season upon us and significant snow packs remaining in many areas, area rivers are full and have limited capacity to contain significant additional runoff from rapid snowmelt or heavy rainfall.