Information Bulletin from the Cariboo Regional District
Williams Lake, B.C – Heavy rain (up to 100 mm) is forecast for the Fraser headwaters and northeast BC through the weekend. Some river levels are expected to rise significantly, posing a potential risk to life and property.
The River Forecast Centre is upgrading the current Flood Watch to a Flood Warning for the Upper Fraser River including tributaries and the mainstem at Prince George and upstream. Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for the Cariboo and Central Interior warning of heavy rain through Thursday with the possibility of additional rainfall warnings being issued as the system further develops.
The Cariboo Regional District is advising residents throughout the region to be on alert for flooding and landslides, use extreme caution near waterways and unstable ground, and be prepared to shelter in place for a minimum of 3 days in the event roadways are washed out and you cannot leave your property.
Of particular concern are predictions for up to 100 mm of rainfall in the Northern Rockies and as much as 50 mm for the Fraser headwaters and East Cariboo. Environment Canada and the BC River Forecast Centre are issuing warnings that rivers such as the Quesnel, Fraser and Chilcotin may rise beyond historic peaks recorded in 1972. In addition, thunderstorms will have the potential of adding 15-25 mm of localized rainfall in short bursts throughout the coming days. Coupled with existing high-water levels and saturated ground, these isolated rain events might also bring flooding to low-lying areas.
With rivers already flowing at their highest rates, there is a high possibility levels will exceed 1 in 50-year levels, with some forecasting models predicting a possibility of flows higher than 1 in 100-year levels.
Residents of the Cariboo Regional District are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding evacuation alerts and orders: member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup.
Property owners are advised that sand and sandbags are available for free at all CRD volunteer fire halls except for the West Fraser hall. Please observe physical distancing guidelines while filling sandbags.
Agricultural producers are urged to take necessary precautions to protect livestock and equipment. Please see the linked advisory for additional information: CRD advising agricultural sector to prepare for flooding
For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit cariboord.ca. You also follow the CRD on Facebook or Twitter.
To report flooding or landslides call the CRD’s emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977 (8:30am – 4:30pm daily).
To report damaged or washed out roads in the Central and South Cariboo call Dawson Road Maintenance 24/7 at 1-800-842-4122.
Media Contact: EOC Communications
Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre
250-302-9003
eoccommunications@cariboord.ca