Prince George, B.C. – The River Forecast Centre has issued a high stream flow advisory for the Nechako River from Isle Pierre through to the confluence with the Fraser River.

According to the river Forecast Centre, flows on the Nechako River at Isle Pierre are at 845 m³/s and are expected to reach 900 m³/s by Saturday and 915 m³/s by Monday and continue to rise through next week. Water levels on the Fraser River at South Fort George are expected to increase through the weekend and reach a gauge elevation of 8.63 m by Monday, that is still about one metre below the flood level at that location. Prince George Fire Rescue Chief John Iverson says his team has been watching the levels and getting the most up to date information and there is no immediate concern about flooding in Prince George.

There is still a lot of snow in the higher elevations of the Nechako basin as the latest survey indicates it is 122% of normal for this time of the year. The warm temperatures over the past couple of weeks have sped up the melt, which, combined with expected rainfall, are contributing to rising water levels.

However, there is concern further upstream on the Nechako as the BC River Forecast Centre is maintaining a Flood Watch for:

• Nechako River at Vanderhoof
• Nautley River near Fort Fraser

The Nautley River near Fort Fraser is estimated to be flowing at 259 m³/s (gauge water level is 2.88 m) which is above the 50-year return period flow. The Nechako River at Vanderhoof is flowing at 558 m³/s (gauge water level is 4.85 m), which is above the 20‑year return period flow. The Stellako River at Glenannan is flowing at 173 m³/s and gauge water level is 3.30 m.

Given the current conditions and the weather forecast for the weekend, flows on the Nautley River are expected to continue to increase through the weekend and is forecast to reach approximately 270-275 m³/s by Monday and potentially peak by next Wednesday.

The Nechako River at Vanderhoof is expected to rise through the weekend and is forecast to reach 600 m³/s by Saturday and 610 m³/s by Monday. The Stellako River at Glenannan is expected to see continued rises of 1 to 2 cm/day and similar rises may be expected on Francois Lake.

Once again, residents are reminded to stay clear of streams during the spring runoff period due to highly saturated and unstable riverbank conditions and swiftly flowing water.