A high streamflow advisory has been issued for the Skeena River and its tributaries in Terrace and Kitsumkalum because of warmer conditions and snowmelt leading to a rise in river levels in northwestern B.C.
The warning was issued Thursday, May 7, by the B.C. River Forecast Centre
A high streamflow advisory means that river levels will continue to rise orexpected to rise quickly, but large-scale floods are not likely; there can be some risk of minor floods.
The River Forecast Centre has warned that the extended spell of warm weather in the province has led to rapid melting of snow, which has caused river levels to increase significantly in recent days.
Several Water Survey of Canada monitoring stations have reached near or above average flows for the time of year.
River levels are expected to remain high for at least the next several days. Even though temperatures are expected to drop on the weekend, rainfall in the North and Central Coasts is expected to elevate river flows.
The advisories indicate several waterways in the area might stay at or above a two-year to five-year flow event levels until Friday and cause localized floods as well as bank erosion.
The water level at the Skeena River was measured at about 9.3 meters Thursday at a rate of about 3,660 cubic metres per second.
However, the River Forecast Centre added that since the gauge for the Usk waterway had been moved to a new location earlier in 2025, historical flood criteria would not necessarily apply.
The water level at the Bulkley River near Smithers was also high Thursday at about five meters.
Flows on the Skeena River, Bulkley River, as well as other areas in its upstream, could go past flood stages in the following days.
Residents have been advised not to approach fast-flowing rivers and banks. People have been reminded not to drive through any flood waters.
The River Forecast Centre said it will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as needed.
