Fraser River Flood Protection

Click here for
Fraser River
Freshet Updates

What is a Freshet?

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.

Fraser River Freshet:

This webpage provides information on Fraser River flood protection. Important updates regarding the spring freshet will be posted here.

2023 Fraser River Freshet Updates:

Visit this page for the most up-to-date information about the 2023 Fraser River Freshet.

General flood preparedness information for residents can be found on our Flood Protection webpage. Advisories and information are also available from the Provincial River Forecast Centre.

River Stations:

For real-time and historic water level and flow readings on the Fraser River system, 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]"

Prince George [MAP]	Marguerite [MAP]	Hope [MAP]	Mission [MAP]
When the Mission gauge is below 4.5m we stop updating the levels on this page. You can view the current levels with the links below.
View Live Reading at FRASER RIVER AT SOUTH FORT GEORGE (08KE018)	View Live Reading at FRASER RIVER NEAR MARGUERITE (08MC018)	View Live Reading at FRASER RIVER AT HOPE (08MF005)	View Live Reading at FRASER RIVER AT MISSION (08MH024)

When the Mission gauge is below 4.5m we stop updating the levels on this page.
You can view the current levels with the links below.

View Live Reading at
FRASER RIVER AT SOUTH FORT GEORGE
(08KE018)

View Live Reading at
FRASER RIVER NEAR MARGUERITE
(08MC018)

View Live Reading at
FRASER RIVER AT HOPE
(08MF005)

View Live Reading at
FRASER RIVER AT MISSION
(08MH024)

Fraser River Freshet Stage & Response:
The City of Chilliwack's Fraser River Flood Response Plan is based on water levels relative to the dyke system as well as readings from the Mission Gauge, as detailed in the chart below. Stage and Response Text Updated: May 13, 2008
Gauge Reading:	General Conditions:	City Response:
	1 to 5.49 meters	Below Bank full Conditions.	Continue to monitor Mission Gauge, weather forecasts and complete emergency flood protection works.
	5.5 meters	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.	Regular dyke patrols are commenced. Emergency Operations Centers may be established to coordinate flood fighting activities.
	6.0 meters	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.	Regular dyke patrols continue, with possible increase to daily patrols as water levels increase
	7.0 meters	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	24 Hour Continuous basis dyke patrols commenced. Dyke defence activities commence with monitoring and repair as required.
	8.0 meters and higher	High water is within 0.6 meters (2 feet) of some dyke crests.	Large scale dyke defence activities continue including: monitoring and repair, and continuous dyke patrols.

The City of Chilliwack's Fraser River Flood Response Plan is based on water levels relative to the dyke system as well as readings from the Mission Gauge, as detailed in the chart below.

Stage and Response Text Updated: May 13, 2008

Gauge Reading:

General Conditions:

City Response:

1 to
5.49
meters

Below Bank full Conditions.

Continue to monitor Mission Gauge, weather forecasts and complete emergency flood protection works.

5.5
meters

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.

Regular dyke patrols are commenced.

Emergency Operations Centers may be established to coordinate flood fighting activities.

6.0
meters

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.

Regular dyke patrols continue, with possible increase to daily patrols as water levels increase

7.0
meters

The river has generally widened into the flood plain adjacent to the dykes.