The next six weeks, through late May and into June, will be critical for potential flooding in northeast B.C., according to Environment Canada.
The agency says several factors are being closely monitored, including temperature trends, snowpack levels and the potential for precipitation events.
Meteorologist Ken Dosanjh says warmer-than-average temperatures are expected in the coming weeks.
According to the River Forecast Centre, the Peace Region snowpack was at 128 per cent of normal as of May 1. That means more water is stored in the mountain snowpack than usual heading into the peak spring melt period.
The centre says snowmelt began earlier than usual this year and is continuing at a rapid pace.
Meteorologists say a gradual melt is ideal, but warmer temperatures typically lead to faster snowmelt, like what is currently being seen.
Dosanjh says northeast B.C. is in the cold low season, when weather systems can bring upslope precipitation. That occurs when moist air is forced over the northern Rockies, causing it to rise, cool and release rain or snow.
Flood risk is influenced by how quickly snowmelt occurs, along with temperature and precipitation patterns. Conditions are more favourable for rapid runoff and snowmelt compared to a typical year.
With above-average snowpack, warmer-than-normal temperatures expected and the potential for precipitation events, flood risk is considered elevated.
Dosanjh says weather systems are harder to predict at this time of year as spring brings more chaotic, small-scale storm activity and short-lived rainfall.
He adds that no significant systems are expected in the short term.
Warmer periods between systems can also contribute to elevated drought conditions in some parts of the region.