Authorities are warning of potential flooding across the province, with snow melting rapidly as temperatures soar.
Temperatures reached 22 C in Houston on Thursday.
Although no flooding has been seen in the region by press time, the District of Houston is closely watching areas such as Henry Creek and Silverthorne Creek for high water flows.
“Residents should be cautious around streams and creeks, and check back to our Houston B.C. Emergencies page [on Facebook] for updates,” said Jessica Bagnall, the district’s corporate officer.
Although the Bulkley River isn’t currently a source of concern, smaller tributaries could rise with the sudden onset of the spring freshet, according to David Campbell, head of the provincial River Forecast Centre.
Buck Creek — which passes under Hwy. 16 in Houston — is one waterway that may see flooding.
The unseasonably hot weather comes after a long winter that has left a heavy snowpack in its wake. Campbell says Houston may see heavy melting as temperatures climb.
“We definitely are seeing localized pockets of quite high snowpack,” said Campbell. “We haven’t really seen melt yet there significantly; I think this will notch those areas up a bit.”
He added that riverbanks are unstable and that people should exercise special caution around them.
If you face a threatening flood situation, park vehicles away from streams and waterways, move electrical appliances to upper floors and make sure to anchor fuel supplies.
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