This webpage provides information on Fraser River flood protection. Important updates regarding the spring freshet will be posted here.
River Forecast Centre: The River Forecast Centre collects and interprets snow, meteorological and streamflow data to provide warnings and forecasts of stream and lake runoff conditions around the province. Visit http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/rfc/ for current reports.
River Stations: For real-time and historic water level readings on the Fraser and Vedder/Chilliwack River systems, visit the Environment Canada (Water Survey of Canada) website at: http://www.wateroffice.ec.gc.ca view the gauge listed as "FRASER RIVER AT MISSION [08MH024]"
Fraser River Freshet Stage & Response: Water Survey of Canada maintains this electronic gauge, which automatically reads the elevation of the Fraser River and relays the information to a base computer in Mission. The City of Chilliwack’s flood response plan is based on readings from the Mission Gauge, as detailed in the chart below.
Stage and Response Text Updated: May 13, 2008
Gauge Reading:
1 to 5.49 meters
General Conditions:
Below Bank full Conditions.
City Response:
Continue to monitor Mission Gauge, weather forecasts and complete emergency flood protection works.
Gauge Reading:
5.5 meters
General Conditions:
Bank full conditions.
The river elevation has risen to fill its natural banks, but has not spilled over into the flood plain.
Limited flooding of the unprotected areas.
City Response:
Regular dyke patrols are commenced.
Emergency Operations Centers are established to coordinate flood fighting activities.
Gauge Reading:
6.0 meters
General Conditions:
Beyond Bank full Conditions.
The river elevation has risen beyond its banks and is beginning to spill over into the unprotected flood plain areas.
Flooding of the unprotected areas outside of the City’s dyking system.
City Response:
Regular dyke patrols continue, with possible increase to daily patrols as water levels increase
Gauge Reading:
7.0 meters
General Conditions:
The river has generally widened into the flood plain adjacent to the dykes.
Extensive flooding of the unprotected areas outside of the City’s dyking system
City Response:
24 Hour Continuous basis dyke patrols commenced.
Dyke defence activities commence with monitoring and repair as required.
Gauge Reading:
8.0 meters and higher
General Conditions:
High water is within 0.6 meters (2 feet) of some dyke crests.
City Response:
Large scale dyke defence activities continue including: monitoring and repair, and continuous dyke patrols.
*In years when significant flooding potential exists, the City will regularly review the need to evacuate affected areas based on river levels and dyke condition. Updates will be provided through this website and local media.
Additional Information for the Agricultural Sector: The following websites provide information on flood and emergency preparedness for the agricultural sector: BC Milk Producers Association (www.bcmilkproducers.ca or 1-877-462-2672); Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (http://www.gov.bc.ca/al or 1-888-221-7141); BC Horse Council (http://www.hcbc.ca/ or 1-800-345-8055).
Be Informed:
Due to variables such as weather, we cannot predict a flood with 100% certainty. Therefore, it is important that you make your plans on the assumption that flooding is a real possibility. The best thing for people to do is to review or establish personal and neighbourhood emergency plans and consider family members or friends who may need additional assistance. Please help those folks to be ready as well.
It is important to note that even if your home or business is located on higher ground, a serious flood event would result in a loss of key services like water, sewer, electricity and gas. In that case, a City-wide evacuation could occur. All residents should be prepared for at least a 72-hour period without services. We will provide as much information as possible to keep the public informed as waters start to rise.
Dictionary: Freshet \Fresh"et\, n. 1. A stream of fresh water. [Obs] 2. A flood or overflowing of a stream caused by heavy rains or melted snow; a sudden inundation.
City of Chilliwack Floodplain/Elevation Maps:
Do you live in the floodplain? Check this map to find out.
West Dyke Relief Wells: 80 new relief wells were installed along the West Dyke in 2008 to improve seepage control. The project was funded 100% through the Provincial-Federal Flood Protection Program. Total funding: $1,008,000.
East Dyke (CHIP) Relief Wells: 14 new relief wells were installed along the East Dyke by the Camp Hope Intake (CHIP) to improve seepage control. The project was funded 100% through the Provincial Flood Protection Program. Total funding: $213,000.
Fraser River (CHIP) Bank Protection: Bank protection upgrades were completed along a 300 metre length of the Fraser River bank, downstream of the Camp Hope Intake. This was the second phase of bank protection work, with phase one completed as emergency work in the spring of 2007. The project was funded 100% through the Provincial Flood Protection Program. Total funding: $164,000.
2007 Urgent Mitigative Flood Works:The Provincial Government approved $3,753,000 in funding for urgent mitigative flood works in Chilliwack prior to the 2007 freshet. This funding was used to raise low portions of the East Dyke, which extends from Highway 9 to Young Road as well as the Wing Dyke. A small portion of the funding was also used for localized bank armouring. For more information on the City's dyke network and general freshet preparations, please click here.
Chilliwack Weather Forecast from Environment Canada Issued 4:00 PM PDT Saturday 31 July 2010
Preparing For An Evacuation: In flooding situations, residents in high risk areas should listen to the local media and follow the instructions of local emergency and transportation officials.
A bulletin entitled Current Runoff Conditions is published on an "as needed" basis whenever there are conditions that warrant comment. The bulletin is published on the Ministry of Environment website.
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CITY OF CHILLIWACK 8550 Young Road, Chilliwack, BC, Canada, V2P 8A4
City Hall Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm excluding statutory holidays
Phone: 604-792-9311 | Fax: 604-795-8443
After Hours Utilities or Public Works Emergencies Only: 604-792-2233
August 1, 2010 3:32 AM
