The River Forecast Centre is maintaining a high streamflow advisory for much of British Columbia鈥檚 North Coast, where tributaries and smaller streams from Terrace to Haida Gwaii are expected to see rapid rises in water levels.
The advisory affects communities including Terrace, Prince Rupert, Kitimat, and Gitlax瘫t'aamiks (New Aiyansh), though no major flooding is anticipated. However, residents in low-lying areas are being warned of potential minor flooding as river levels continue to increase.
There's water pooling along Hwy 16 from Prince Rupert to east of Terrace. One section, a 13km stretch of Hwy16 beginning 38 kilometres west of Terrace, is experiencing flooding. There's single lane alternating traffic in that area.
In the Nass Valley, the road to Ginglox is closed 13km west of Laxgalts'ap and there's general water pooling through the valley down to Terrace.
Updates are expected on all circumstances later this evening.
Water levels are already peaking in some areas. At 11 a.m. today, the stage reading for the Kingcome River near Kingcome Village reached 5.13 metres and is expected to remain high throughout the day. Around Kitimat, streamflows are projected to peak at levels consistent with 2-to-5-year return periods, depending on the rainfall from the next storm front expected on Monday and Tuesday.
For much of the North and Central Coast, river levels are likely to remain elevated over the coming days due to ongoing heavy rainfall. "We encourage residents to avoid riverbanks and other waterways for their safety," officials said, emphasising the dangers of rising water and fast-moving currents.
In Kitimat, the District has issued a water quality advisory due to elevated turbidity levels in the Kitimat River. While no timeline has been provided for lifting the advisory, residents鈥攑articularly children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems鈥攁re advised to drink boiled water. The District has also closed Hirsch Creek Park as a precaution due to high water levels in the area.
