Ducks take a break on a  log in the Nechako River – photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – All the rain  over the past couple of days  has  pushed  river levels up  on the Nechako and the Fraser Rivers.

The  River Forecast Centre had issued a high streamflow advisory yesterday  for areas in the  Upper Fraser  region ( MacGregor, Willow  and Bowron Rivers)   but has since rescinded that advisory and  say the  rivers are expected to  start receding  later today.

The Fraser  River at South Fort George  rose  nearly two meters  from  yesterday to  today.  It was  at the 5.9 meter mark on July 4th, and just after noon today was  registering at 7.5 meters on the gauge at South Fort.

Between Saturday and  yesterday,  Prince George  had received 37.6 mm of rain,  that’s more than half the monthly average (62.1mm) for July.

As is always the case when the river levels climb, users of Cottonwood Island Park are advised to exercise caution  along the  bank of the Nechako River.   “We’re monitoring the water levels  everyday” says City of Prince Parks Manager Sean LeBrun “At this point we’re not closing Cottonwood Island, or Paddle Wheel Park, we are  continuing to monitor them, but that’s not to say  it won’t get to the point  where we will have to close them, but we are keeping an eye on them.”

LeBrun says as always,   park users are  advised to  exercise caution  along the river banks “That goes without  saying year round.  When you’re walking along the Nechako or anywhere near the Fraser, you have to exercise caution and be wary of the possibility of the bank being undermined .  They are big rivers and can be dangerous.”

So far,  the  rainfall has not  led to the closure of any  of the sport fields in the City.   The fields may  be wet, but  LeBrun says  there is  no standing water, and it will be up to the user groups to make the  decision  on whether or not  to  go ahead with scheduled activity.