DAWSON CREEK -- A Flood Watch has been issued for the Peace Region by the BC River Forecast Centre.

The River Forecast Centre is upgrading to a Flood Watch for the Peace Region, including tributaries around Fort St. John, Taylor, Chetwynd, Moberly Lake, Pine Pass, Hudson’s Hope and Dawson Creek

Snowmelt rates have been high over the past week due to extremely warm conditions in the region.

This means, with forecasted rain and some high river levels in the region, some rivers may overflow the banks, which could cause flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers.

There is also a potential risk of overland flooding from ditches and other waterways.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a Rainfall Warning for the B.C. Peace River & Southeast Fort Nelson Region on Sunday.

Rain will begin early Monday morning and continue through Tuesday night. Rainfall totals are forecast to be 50-75 mm with amounts approaching 100mm for southern areas of the B.C. Peace River District (e.g. Tumbler Ridge).

Snowmelt rates have been high over the past week due to extremely warm conditions in the region.

Many rivers are flowing relatively high for the season and will be vulnerable to the additional rainfall input.

The general pattern of the weather event is similar to 2011 and 2016, when substantial flooding occurred in the region. The intensity of potential flooding will be dependent on the location, duration and magnitude of the incoming storm event.

Rivers and creeks are expected to respond rapidly and peak late Monday through Wednesday depending upon the size and elevation of watershed.

Sand and Sandbags

To help you protect your property, sand and sandbags are being delivered to the following locations tonight, and will be available for pick up in the morning.

Chetwynd/Moberly Area

  • Iver Johnson Park – 6939 Middlemiss Subdivision, Hasler
  • 6511 Wildmare Subdivision – next to the trailer park (look for the orange bin)
  • Yips Sub on Moberly Lake – south side of Moberly Lake
  • Moberly Lake Fire Hall – 6492 Lakeshore Drive

Tomslake Area

  • Tupper Community Hall – 16010 Gundy Rd
  • Tomslake Fire Hall – 15407 Tomslake Dr

Upper Halfway Area

  • Halfway Graham Community Hall – 22380 Highland Sub

Please bring your own shovel and gloves.

For tips on how to build a sandbag wall, see the PreparedBC video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exb2iUgH8cI

For more information about flooding visit PreparedBC Flood Information.