Issued: October 22, 2008 12:00PM

BC Environment River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for the Nass River system. A significant warm/wet frontal system moved onto the North Coast yesterday and began producing heavy rainfall last night. Over the past 12 hours (to 9AM this morning), rainfall has been measured at 35-45 mm for Lower and Middle Nass.

Environment Canada is maintaining the High Rainfall Warning, and is forecasting an additional 20-50 mm today for inland sections of the North Coast, and 50-70 mm for coastal areas including Gingolx. Rivers began rising last night, and will continue to rise today and tonight, until the rain eases. Environment Canada is forecasting the rain easing to showers later this evening as the front passes inland. The Nass River was well below its normal level for this time of the year and has begun rising this morning, and will continue to rise throughout the day and into the evening. Depending on local rainfall amounts, there is potential for very rapid rises in water levels in all streams and creeks feeding into the Nass River. Issued by B.C. Environment River Forecast Centre:  22 October 2008, 10:00AM

Snow levels in the Nass Valley mountain system, while visible, are still quite low and are not contributing heavily to river rise.

Smaller streams and creeks in the Nass Valley that are heavily impacted by local rainfall will be and are probably already at full and/or flooding capacity. This could impact roads where culverts and small bridges cross the Nisga'a Highway.

The heavy rain and high winds throughout the Nass Valley will also produce water pooling on some sections of the Nisga'a Highway and reduce driving visibility. Please exercise caution when driving on our highways especially at nighttime.

The B.C. Environment River Forecast Centre and NLG Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff will continue to monitor conditions closely and will issue an update if conditions warrant.

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.

Prepared by:

Eric Grandison
Information Officer
NLG Emergency Operations Centre
New Aiyansh, B.C.

Tel.: (250) 633-3000 or Toll Free: 1866 633-0888