Skeena River, Bulkley River remain focus of Flood Watch

The River Forecast Centre increased its overview of the flood situation for the Northwest over the weekend issuing a new update on Sunday related to conditions for both the Skeena and Buckle Rivers.

As well as to post a Flood Watch for communities of Terrace, Smithers, Telkwa, Hazelton and Kispiox.

The Focus of concern, a continuing warming trend and weekend storm systems.

Steady warming last week led to increased snowmelt and runoff in rivers in the region. A storm system on Friday and Saturday added additional input into rivers as rain. Additional precipitation is forecast today and tomorrow, primarily for the Bulkley Valley and Skeena region, which could lead to significant rises for the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers. 

The rate of rise and peak water levels on the rivers will depend on the amount of rainfall. Environment and Climate Change Canada is currently forecasting 15mm for Smithers with higher values possible in the mountains. Rain falling on a melting snowpack in the mountains increases the risk for rapid river rises.

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As of this afternoon, those advisories remain the most Current information offered to residents of the Northwest region.

The situation also brought additional advice from Terrace Emergency officials and those from the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine.

You can review all of the latest notes from the Northwest through our Floodwatch archive page.