Flood Warnings and Advisories
Flood Watch – Bulkley River
High Streamflow Advisory – Skeena, Central Coast, Northern Interior
Issued: 5:30 PM May 7, 2026
BC’s River Forecast Centre says warm weather and rapid snowmelt are causing rivers in northern BC to rise, with flooding concerns continuing in some areas.
Current alerts
- Flood Watch (maintained):
- Bulkley River and nearby tributaries around Smithers and Houston
- High Streamflow Advisories:
- Skeena River and tributaries around Terrace and Kitsumkalum (new)
- Central Coast rivers including the Atnarko River and Bella Coola River
- Lakes District areas around Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, and Fort St. James
- Omineca region between Prince George and Mackenzie
What’s causing it
- Several days of unusually warm weather have accelerated snowmelt.
- Northern Interior temperatures are still expected to stay around or above 20°C through the weekend.
- Rain is expected along the north and central coast, which could further increase river levels.
River conditions
- Rivers across the region are already running very high, with some near or above typical annual peak levels.
- Water levels are expected to stay elevated for several more days.
- Low-lying flooding and riverbank erosion are possible.
- The Bulkley River near Smithers and the Skeena River near Usk are both at high flow levels, and officials warn some areas could reach or exceed flood stage.
Safety advice
Do not drive through floodwaters.
Stay away from fast-moving rivers and unstable riverbanks.
The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor the conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant. For information on how to prepare for flood hazards, visit PreparedBC.
https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
A High Streamflow Advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Fast-flowing bodies of water increase risk to life safety. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
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 Flood Warning means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.