The volume of water flowing through the Fraser River took a downward turn Friday afternoon but officials are continuing to urge caution heading into the long weekend.
As of 1 p.m., the river’s level stood at 9.109 metres, down from a peak of 9.14 metres about 10 hours before, according to an Environment Canada hydrometric meter at South Fort George.
An evacuation alert remains in place for 18 homes along Farrell Street and Paddlewheel Park, and Cottonwood Island remained closed as does a section of the Heritage River Trail from the canoe launch to Taylor Drive.
Further afield, the evacuation alert for 39 homes along Mud River Road west of the city has been lifted but the Fraser-Fort George Regional District is asking residents to remain vigilant
“Water levels in many rivers and streams in the region continue to be high, with areas along the Upper Fraser expected to rise over the next week,” officials said.
On Thursday, River Forecast Centre head David Campbell said conditions are ripe for a continued rise in water to a level in the range seen in June 1972. That event peaked at 10.44 metres, flooding Cottonwood Island, parts of South Fort George, Foreman Flats and low-lying land in the Giscome and Shelley areas.
In the aftermath, the city began the process of ridding Cottonwood Island of all its homes due to “perpetual flood danger” according to a story in the Prince George Citizen at the time.
It appears to have been the second-highest level reached in the city’s history, after 10.79 metres reached in 1948.
Advice for preparing for flooding includes:
• Preparing personal emergency supply kits for your home, car and work (plan for at least a three-day supply of food and water for each family member);
• Have a grab-and-go kit ready if you have to leave your home quickly;
• Keep important papers in watertight containers and have a record of your valuables in a safe place;
• If flooding is likely in your area, pay attention to the local media for information;
• Watch for warning signs: increase in height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, colour changes in water or leaning trees;
• Know that banks of rivers and streams may be unstable and dangerous;
• Keep a safe distance away from fast flowing water, especially children;
• Teach your children about flood safety;
• Consider arrangements for your pets and any livestock.
The warm temperatures and lack of precipitation also means an increased risk of wildfire.
Campers are urged to keep fires within approved fire-rings or pits and to maintain a clear four-foot radius around the spot. The area should be free of grass, twigs, leaves, and firewood.
And the fire should be at least 15 feet away from tent walls, hanging branches, and any surrounding brush and be no larger than 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres – roughly a foot-and-a-half by a foot-and-a-half.
