Update:
The B.C. River Forecast Centre has now ended an earlier High Streamflow Advisory for the East Peace.
Original story:
With a possible 50 millimetres of rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours, B.C.’s River Forecast has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for eastern sections of the Peace.
The advisory includes the Pouce Coupe and Kistatinaw rivers, and areas around Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and Hudson’s Hope.
“A low-pressure trough is expected to bring unsettled weather to the Peace Region over the weekend,” said the statement.
“Weather modelling is indicating the potential for moderate to heavy rainfall (20- 50+mm) over Saturday and Sunday, with the heavier amounts currently forecasted in areas south of Dawson Creek.”
There is also an added concern for localized flooding and run-off near the Battleship Mountain and Bearhole Lake wildfires, with trees that would buffer fast-flowing water, now burnt away.
“A High Streamflow Advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible,” the statement clarified.
It believes rivers in the region will be in the historical two-to-five-year return period range.
Here is the latest forecast from Environment Canada:
B.C. North Peace River:
Tonight..Rain. Amount 10 mm. Wind northwest 20 km/h. Low 7.
Saturday..Periods of rain ending in the morning then mainly cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Local amount 5 to 10 mm. Wind northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. High 14. UV index 3 or moderate.
Saturday night..Clearing in the evening. Fog patches in low lying areas overnight. Wind northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 becoming light in the evening. Low plus 5.
B.C. South Peace River:
Tonight..Rain. Amount 10 to 15 mm. Wind northwest 20 km/h. Low 6.
Saturday..Rain at times heavy. Amount 15 mm except 25 mm near Tumbler Ridge. Wind northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40. High 13. UV index 1 or low.
Saturday night..Periods of rain ending in the evening then clearing. Periods of rain near Tumbler Ridge late in the evening. Fog patches in low lying areas before morning. Wind northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 becoming light in the evening. Low plus 4.
