Lakes District Maintenance (LDM) crews were kept busy last week when persistent rainfall coupled with a heavy snow pack and warm temperatures caused flooding in the local area.

Steve Gailing LDM's operations manager said the worst may still be to come as temperatures are set to  increase this week.

"We received a rainfall warning last Tuesday that did materialize. This rain, combined with warm temperatures and snow levels still present at high elevations results in massive flooding," Gailing said.

Large volumes of water gushed through local rivers, creeks and reservoirs forcing more water down through the culverts than they could handle, resulting in flooding.

Crews were forced to close Babine Road last Tuesday due to flooding in three areas, but Highway 16 remained open despite a large volume of water crossing the road.

LDM crews were out working in response to the flooding and flagging contractors were ensuring public safety by controlling traffic.

Water crossed the highway west of Decker Lake Road and near the 亚洲天堂 Lake Airport.

LDM worked to minimize the flooding with heavy equipment and sandbags. Filter cloth was also used to stop sediment dirtying streams.

Because of the sheer volume of water, Gailing said that no crew members entered the water, but rather worked with heavy equipment on the road sides.

He also warned local residents to stay away from culverts, rivers and streams in the local area due to the hazard caused by the unpredictability of the fast flowing water.

"We were not expecting it to be this bad, but we were proactive. We had held discussions about what to do in the event of excessive rainfall and once we had all three elements [snow pack, rainfall, high temperatures] we are required by the Ministry of Transport to increase our patrol frequency," Gailing said.

"Just because the rain has subsided doesn't mean the water flow will diminish, we will still have high water, particularly because there are increased temperatures predicted. Water flows are going to increase, before they decrease," Gailing added.

Decker Lake residents George and Bernice Hart know all to well the effects rising water can have. Their recently fertilized wheat field was 50 per cent flooded due to an overflowing CN culvert.

Bernice said "It has never flooded like this before." While there is some damage to two of the Hart's fields, she said they will still be able to produce hay this year.

Wet'suwewet'en First Nation's band office at Palling was also inundated with water. The basement flooded and band members worked to remove computers and files from the office last Tuesday.

The Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake have opened up a level one emergency operations centre at the village office.

Municipal storm drains are operating at full capacity and Saul Creek is flowing at high capacity.

Residents living in the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako should contact 1-800-320-3339 or go to www.rdbn.bc.ca for updated information on evacuations.