Melting snow and an abnormally rainy spring mean that rivers are rising and residents are preparing for floods across large portions of B.C., where one local state of emergency has already been declared.
The Cariboo Regional District has issued a local state of emergency due to flooding of the Cottonwood River near Quesnel. Two homes have been evacuated. As many as 12 homes - approximately 30 people - could be affected by a flood.
For more information on advisories, visit the BC River Forecast Centre website.
Water levels are rising on several tributary rivers near Prince George and Quesnel, but no major flooding is expected.
Near Quesnel, the Forecast Centre issued a flood warning for Baker Creek, and a high streamflow advisory for the Cottonwood River.
Near Prince George, a flood warning has been issued for the Willow River and a high streamflow advisory remains in effect for the Salmon River.
Falkland's Salmon River may also be a problem this spring; it's been issued a high streamflow advisory.
Elsewhere in the province, Okanagan locals are already preparing for flooding from the area's many waterways. Numerous creeks and rivers in the area are already experiencing higher than average water levels, and people are taking precautions. Some have begun flooding already.
West Kelowna firefighters, including Asst. Fire Chief Darren Lee, helped a local orchard owner sandbag his property on Thursday.
"The big issue here is that there're six or seven homes downhill could be impacted," Lee said.
The orchard owner said flooding wasn't a problem last year.
"Every spring, it's always a concern," he said. "It was just such a cool spring that it's coming all at once."
In another area of Kelowna, backhoes are dredging out creek bottoms to try to avoid flooding.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan reminds people on its website that free sandbags are available, though residents will have to provide their own sand.
Cooler weather Thursday means water is expected to stay level through the day. However, warming temperatures Friday and showers into the weekend are expected to contribute to rising water levels.
