According to Mark Neave, Marine Manager at WaterBridge Equipment Inc., Francois Lake peaked on May 20, 2015, at 3.40 metres and remained at this elevation for four consecutive days.
Historically, Francois Lake has peaked around June 10, which means this year the lake peaked three weeks ahead of time.
On May 25, the lake began to drop, and by May 28, the lake was down to 3.37 metres.
Although 3.40 metres is considered “extremely high,” this was not a record high for Francois Lake. On June 6, 2011, the lake reached 3.41 metres, and on June 11, 2007, it peaked at 3.51 metres.
Francois Lake is not the only lake in the area experiencing high elevations.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre issued flood watch advisories for the Nechako River and the Bulkley River last week. Local residents were reminded to stay clear of streams during the spring runoff period due to highly saturated and unstable riverbank conditions and swiftly flowing water.
Donald’s Landing, part of Babine Lake, is also experiencing flooding conditions. Lake Babine Nation Chief Wilf Adam said flooding occurs every year in the area, and that it´s important to monitor the flooding to find a way to resolve the situation down the road.
According to the May 15 snow survey and water supply bulletin by the B.C. River Forecast Centre, warm weather through early May has led to rapid snow melt across the province. Many rivers experienced much higher than normal streamflow over the late-winter and spring period. This was a result of increased runoff due to winter and spring precipitation as rain and rapid early season snow melt.
In the Nechako and Bulkley Rivers, snow packs are nearing a point where flows on natural systems are expected to peak. On the Nechako River near the confluence with the Fraser, the peak is expected to occur later as flows from the Stuart River are forecast to continue to rise.
Near normal (90-109 per cent) snow basin indices are present in the Upper Fraser and Skeena-Nass basins. Above normal (above 120 per cent) snow pack conditions are still present in the Nechako basin. In unregulated streams in the Nechako River basin, flow rates are currently at five-year to 50-year return period flow levels.
Current long-range temperature forecasts from Environment Canada indicate a high likelihood of above normal temperatures across B.C. through the short (one month) and long (three-month) terms. Precipitation forecasts, which are less reliable than temperature, suggest normal precipitation over the next three months.
With current weather conditions and outlook, the low flow season is expected to begin early this season. The extent of low flows will largely be affected by late-spring and summer temperature and precipitation.
For up to date information, visit the B.C. River Forecast Centre website at http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca