Flooding concerns this weekend as water levels rise on the Fraser River

LANGLEY (NEWS 1130) – It’s shaping up to be a tense weekend for communities right across Metro Vancouver and the valley, as they keep a close watch on water levels on the Fraser River.

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a high stream flow advisory for the waterway. The warning includes the main stem of the river from the Fraser Canyon downstream all the way to the ocean. The levels on the river are expected to reach high points either today or tomorrow before dropping back down early next week.

Roeland Zwaag is the Director of Public Works for the Township of Langley says there are a few vulnerable areas. “There is the unprotected area of Glen Valley, so that’s called River Road or 88th Avenue, that could be subject to some water should it exceed past the 6.0 metre mark at our Mission gauge. We’re not there yet, we’re only at 5.3 metres.”

He adds notices have been sent out to people who could be impacted by the rising water levels. “What people need to be aware of is if they see some flooding, they need to take all precautions necessary for their livestock. We have a lot of agriculture here in the Township of Langley, but it’s not likely to happen at this phase right now, not until it gets towards high levels.”

In response, the City of Maple Ridge is conducting regular dyke inspections as levels begin to spike. Staff says once water levels hit six metres at the Mission gauge then daily inspections will take place until the water goes back down.

“As the BC River Forecast centre noted, the Fraser River has not been at this level for a few years, so a lot of debris that gathered on the shoreline has been picked up and is sweeping down toward the ocean. The combination of the high flow rate and debris poses a risk for citizens who use the river for recreation,” says Patrick Cullen, emergency program coordinator for the City of Maple Ridge.

He’s warning people to be really careful if they plan on heading to or being on the water. “People who use the river for recreational boating or paddling need to exercise great caution. Citizens who walk or hike along the river should also be careful, especially with off leash pets, as the river currents quickly overcome even experienced swimmers. Debris that’s been piled up along the river has now been picked up and it’s coming down the river. So, just for recreational boaters to take extra precaution while they’re out on the Fraser River and just to watch out for that debris so they can avoid any accidents.”

The advisory was issued following weeks of heavy rain and a rapidly melting snowpack brought on by high temperatures from last weekend.

The River Forecast Centre says it’s monitoring the situation very closely and will update the advisory as water levels flow.

Meantime, other parts of the province are dealing with similar flooding concerns. Click here for the latest on regions outside the Lower Mainland.

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