The City of Quesnel has ordered a state of local emergency due to the risk of flooding along the Baker Creek.
“The state of local emergency allows the City to respond to the threat of flooding, which could potentially result in the damage or loss of infrastructure, property, or the environment,” the City states in a Friday, April 24 news release.
There are no evacuation alerts or orders at this time.
The City says it is working closely with Emergency Management B.C. to monitor the situation and will provide updates when available.
Residents are being asked to stay away from the areas of the Baker Creek — and the banks of all rivers and creeks — and obey all warning and hazard signs for their own safety and for the safety of City crews.
Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding evacuation alerts and orders at member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup. Those who are already registered can update their profile at member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/login.
The City encourages residents to watch for updates and information through the City of Quesnel website at quesnel.ca, the City’s Facebook page and Twitter.
On Thursday, April 23, the B.C. River Forecast Centre advised Baker Creek was flowing at approximately 110 cubic metres per second, which is between a 10-year and 20-year flow. The Centre says the creek is holding steady Friday, April 24.
The River Forecast Centre has issued flood warnings for the Cariboo Chilcotin (Fraser Plateau), including tributary rivers and streams around Quesnel, Williams Lake, Anahim Lake, Cache Creek and surrounding areas, as well as the Nazko River and West Road River, for several days now.
READ MORE: PHOTOS: Quick jump in temperature contributes to flooding in Quesnel area
editor@quesnelobserver.com
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