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River watchers say flood unlikely

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Summer is here and the Fraser River is rising

It appears unlikely that the Fraser River will be flooding anytime soon.

Emergency management officials at the District of Hope continue to monitor the Fraser River on a daily basis to watch for threats. However, so far, the prognosis looks good for this year’s spring freshet.

“I’m not saying we are clear. Usually the Fraser peaks in the first three weeks of June, but it does look good,” said Scott Misumi, director of Hope’s Emergency Operations Centre.

Information is gathered using river gauges at Hope and further upstream at Prince George – along with communication with Emergency Management BC (EMBC) and the River Forecast Centre.

“While the outlook is positive, we still maintain a state of readiness and are ready to activate our EOC should the need arise.”

Misumi said the Fraser was running at 9,300 cubic metres per second on the weekend, well below the 11,300 mark that was hit in June 1997, the last time a significant flood struck.

He pointed to the cooler spring as a factor, as the ice packs melted slower than normal, preventing a rush f water.

Of course, if a flood were to strike, Hope would get some warning.

“Information gathering, such as the current situation in Prince George for example, gives us at least a two day warning of a rise in levels here.”

The District of Hope reminds residents to use caution and stay away from fast moving and high water.



Kevin Mills

About the Author: Kevin Mills

I have been a member of the media for the past 34 years and became editor of the Mission Record in February of 2015.
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