The risk of a flood on the Nechako River remains low to moderate, despite an ice jam which has spread 11 kilometres upstream of the river's confluence with the Fraser River.
The ice jam started forming on Wednesday and caused the river's level to rise approximately a metre in 24 hours. B.C. regional flood hazard officer Lyle Larsen said rising temperatures this week should start breaking down the jam.
"With the temperature, there is very little to no generation of frazil ice [on the Nechako River]," Larsen said. "With the warming temperatures we should expect to see ice shifting and moving ... and the development of open
water leads. All of those things are good news."
The jam has caused water to begin pooling in the area of Pozer Road upstream to the Foothills Bridge, Larsen said. However, the water is not expected to reach flood levels.
"Despite that, the flood risk remains low to moderate," Larsen said.
In 2007 and early 2008 a 64-day ice jam and flood on the Nechako River forced the evacuation of 24 homes, shut down businesses and caused millions of dollars in damage.
City of Prince George staff are monitoring the ice jam.
Cottonwood Island Park and parts of the Heritage River Trails from the Cameron Street Bridge to Fort George Park remain closed until further notice.
