BC’s River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for the Liard River in the northern part of the province, including the Fort Nelson area.
The centre says warm and showery weather in northern B.C. and the Yukon is leading to increased snowmelt and runoff.
The Liard River watershed is approaching the peak of the freshet season, which is the period when melting snow causes rivers and streams to rise.
Water levels have been steadily rising over the past few weeks and could continue to do so into next week.
“This pattern is expected to continue through Friday, followed by steadier increases in temperatures over the weekend and into early next week,” the centre said.
Officials say fast-flowing rivers pose a safety risk and are advising people to stay away from rivers, as terrain can be unstable.
“Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and currents can be life-threatening,” they added.
The advisory was issued just after 10 a.m. Thursday, with Environment Canada calling for a high chance of showers mixed with the potential for thunderstorms through Friday.