The BC River Forecast Centre is issuing Flood Watch for rivers in the BC north-west, including the Skeena River, Nass River and Kitsumkalum River, and other rivers and streams within these basins.

A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

A strong high pressure ridge built over the Alaska Panhandle last weekend, producing record and near record temperatures across the north-west. Temperatures in Terrace on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were above 30 degrees. Continued hot weather is expected for today and Saturday, resulting in 7 days of continued heat. Current forecasts show the ridge migrating by Sunday, with a return to temperatures closer to seasonal normals by Monday.

Nass River: The Nass River (at Shumal) has been rising steadily. Its current flow rate is 3,500 m3/s (at 8:30 this morning), above the 2-year return period discharge of 3,400 m3/s. Its water level has been rising 2.5 cm/hr for the past 24 hrs. It is anticipated to rise another 1.5 metres before peaking near 5,500 m3/s by Monday-Wednesday.

The projections by the River Forecast Centre are worst case scenarios. Their forecast predicts a situation similar to 2007. But this year, while there is a lot of snow still in the mountains, there is less than there was in 2007. This means the total amount of water that will come down from the mountains will be less than 2007 and that means a lower peak flow.

NLG's current projections are that there may be some water on the highway near the W. D. MacKay bridge. Expectations are that this water will be, at most, a few inches.

If flooding does occur the highway might be closed. Preparing a personal emergency kit can help to reduce the impacts of being isolated. Your kit should enable you to get by for up to 72 hours. Contents of your kit should include:

• Water ‚Äì at least two litres of water per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
• Food that won‚Äôt spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year)
• Manual can-opener
• Flashlight and batteries
• Candles and matches or lighter (remember to place candles in sturdy
  containers and to put them out before going to sleep)
• Battery-powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries)
• First aid kit
• Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities
• Extra keys for your car and house
• Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.