Fraser Could Hit 11 Metre Mark

By 250 News

Paddlewheel Park,  where the Fraser shows  just  how fast the water is rising.  (photo opinion250 staff)

Last night,  ( as shown in the photo at left) the gazebo at Paddlewheel Park was still  dry, but what a difference 12 hours can make. 

This morning,  the  gazebo   was sloshing in about a foot of river water, and as each hour passes, the water  gets deeper.

The   City and Regional  District  say they are fully prepared for what is yet to come. 

In a briefing this morning,  Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley says  it is possible the Fraser could hit the 11 metre mark, and that would bring the  water to  about Queensway.  "We are  fully  prepared" says the Mayor "We are looking at some pretty unprecedented  conditions.  From my experience  I think we could exceed the  flood levels witnessed in 1972." The levels at that time  hit 10.3 metres

The  Mayor says several measures have already been taken:

• Distribution of flood information door to door
• fire crews  have delvered  flood notices to others who might be in danger
• giving notices to  those along the eleven metre mark
• fire crews are on stand by doing round the clock  surveillance on all the areas
• fire crews prepared to issue evacuation notices if need be
• fire personnel working with B.C. Hydro and Terasen Gas to ensure the safety of the utilities
•  Have a  swift water rescue team on stand by
• Should there be an evacuation , there is an emergency social services sector  ready to assist.

At the moment, the Fraser is threatening about 200 residents, and the Nechako  is threatening  another  dozen or so.

Regional District  of Fraser Fort George Chair Art Kaehn says the District is not yet at the stage ofd eclaring a regional emergency "W are prepared, and as the waters rise, we  will jump into it.  I assure you  we are prepared to sign such a declaration if it  is needed."

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