Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Ice jams along the Bulkley River have triggered an evacuation alert for 11 addresses near Smithers in northwest B.C. due to the risk of possible flooding.
The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako issued the alert late Sunday afternoon.
An evacuation alert means residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, but is not as serious as an evacuation order, which means there is an immediate risk to life and property.
Mark Parker, the chair of the regional district, said ice jams can happen from time to time along many rivers in the region in the winter.
He said when the water begins to freeze, chunks of ice can break off and flow down the river until they gather and clog the waterway.
“And then, yeah, it up and creates basically an ice-made dam,” he said.
As a result, he said, water from the river has begun backing up onto some residents’ properties.
Speaking Sunday evening, Parker said Smithers Fire Department officials would monitor the situation overnight and send a drone up on Monday morning to assess the situation.
Heavy rain has been forecast for northwest B.C. on Monday, and flood watches have been issued for the North Coast — which means river levels could exceed their banks.