A flood warning is being maintained for the Fraser River through Prince George, according to the provincial agency responsible for watching the water.
River levels along the Upper Fraser have risen over the past few days, and are currently at or near the peak levels, said an update from the BC River Forecast Centre.
A rapid snowmelt and unseasonably high temperatures prompted a flood watch Monday morning which was upgraded to a warning the following day.
A flood warning means that river levels have exceeded, or will soon exceed, their banks and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.
As of Wednesday morning, the Fraser River at South Fort George was nearing peak levels at 9.75 metres. Officials expected the water could rise up to another three centimetres before dropping in the evening.
"Conditions are expected to stabilize with river levels dropping [Thursday] and through the rest of the week," according to the centre's update.
In response to the rising waters Paddlewheel and Cottonwood Island parks remain closed, which they have been since Monday and Saturday, respectively.
No residential evacuation orders or warnings have been issued by the city to those living in the flood plain.
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George activated their emergency operations centre Tuesday and are monitoring river levels in the region and watching for any areas of concern, said spokesperson Renee McCloskey.
Emergency Management BC is advising that all residents, recreationalists and visitors to the Prince George area use extreme cautions on or near waterways.
Among the government agency's safety tips are:
n Children and pets should be kept away from stream banks since eroded banks can cause unstable ground to give way without warning.
n Avoid small creeks and rivers as their channels tend to be narrw and can fill up quickly.
n Do not drive into flooded areas - two feet of water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.
n Stay clear of rushing water and never try to walk through it as even six inches of moving water can make you fall and fast rapids and floating debris make for dangerous in-water conditions.
