Heavy rainfall expected tonight has put BC Hydro on flood watch.

Although there is no flooding right now, the Campbell River may experience some flooding because BC Hydro is opening the John Hart Dam and increasing River flows in the Campbell River system.

The public should stay out of the river as Hydro makes adjustments to accommodate expected heavy rains. The forecasted weather will increase watershed inflows into the Campbell River.

"BC Hydro will attempt to maintain safe reservoir levels by releasing water from John Hart Dam; however, high tides and increasing flows in the Quinsam River may cause some downstream flooding in Campbell River," says an advisory from Anne Davey, maintenance and operations manager with BC Hydro. "Inflows over the past 24 hours have been significant from the rain and snow melt. The Upper Campbell Reservoir/Buttle Lake has increased by about 1.4 m during that time. The reservoir is currently at 219.3 m. Water inflows have been around 1200-1300 m3/s (Wuben confirming)."

Today, BC Hydro is initiating a spill through the Elk Falls Canyon. The canyon flow will increase from five cubic metres per second to 110 m3/s. This water flow will add to the John Hart Generating Station discharge, running at full capacity, and the Quinsam River flow. The total Campbell flow will be around 300 m3/s, and well below river flow thresholds that move gravel in the river. At this time there is no risk of flooding in the Campbellton area, Davey says.

BC Hydro is closely monitoring the situation and will provide an update as conditions change.

Further adjustment will be made as required.