Rivers are expected to rise starting this weekend, according to the River Forecast Centre.
The RFC issued a high streamflow advisory for the Fraser River from Quesnel downstream, including the Fraser Valley from Hope to the ocean. Rising snowmelt rates combined with wet weather across the Interior is leading to ongoing rises along the Fraser River and its tributaries. WIth snowpack still remaining in the headwaters, flow is expected to be high over the course of the next two weeks, making the river vulnerable to extreme weather events such as atmospheric rivers or extreme heat.
The District of Kent stated that while freshet in the Fraser River is not expected to cause flooding issues, the Harrison River could match last year’s peak by Monday and continue to rise through part of next week.
RELATED: Fraser River approaching expected peak: District of Kent
Deputy fire chief Mike Van Laerhoven asks residents to stay away from riverbanks, dikes and other fast-flowing bodies of water. During freshet, some residents may notice shallow ponding in agricultural fields throughout the district. This is not unusual.
Last year, freshet levels were expected to reach 2012 levels, which is high enough to cause groundwater to rise and potentially flood crawlspace and basements within the Agassiz townsite. Thus far, this does not appear to be the case for this season.
The best thing to do to protect yourself and your home from a flood is to have an emergency plan. To help create your emergency plan, search for PreparedBC online.
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