Flood Plan Outlined

By 250 News

   As the Nechako and Fraser  Rivers swell  with the runoff from  a high snowpack, flood preparations  are well underway says Prince George Fire Chief Jeff Rowland.

In a report to Prince George City Council , Rowland  brought Council up to date on the Emergency Committee’s activities.

There are three "action  points"  and the first, has already been addressed.

The Fraser hit the first "action point" the 7 meter mark, last week.  At that time, the emergency committee reviewed the projected weather conditions and the possible effects on the river flows,  increased the number of  site inspections along both rivers, and when requested, the Utilities Division would meet with interested parties to advise  them on what the potential for flooding is in their individual case.

8 meters:

• notify residents and businesses in the possible flood areas.  The Utilities Division has developed a letter advising these people of the flood potential.  The letter will include information from the Provincial Emergency Program on how people can  prepare themselves and their property for flooding.
• public notification through the media
• the Emergency Planning Committee will meet on on a weekly basis or more often if the threat of flooding escalates

9 meters

• at this level there is significant threat of flooding, Recent statitistical data indicates the lowest levels in the city will flood at 9.1 meters
• establish the Emergency Operations Centre to deal with the imminent flood threat
• Notify PEP regional office of the situation.

Rowland says the most  recent information is that the snow packs in the area are still  significantly higher than normal.  The long range forecast was for  cooler than average temperatures and slightly more rain than normal.

As of 2:00  today, the Fraser at South Fort George had dropped slightly to 6.809 meters,  the Nechako at Isle Pierre  was at  3.669 meters, and the Nechako at Vanderhoof was on a downward trend at 4.164 meters.

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