A Maple Ridge business is giving away free sand bags after the B.C. River Forecast Centre issued a high streamflow advisory for the Fraser River on Thursday.
The advisory includes areas of the main stem river from the Fraser Canyon downstream to the ocean. River levels have been rising in response to hot temperatures and rapid snowmelt in the Fraser River basin.
Runoff from hot temperatures over the weekend and early in the coming week are expected to lead to additional rapid rises along the lower Fraser River.
The City of Pitt Meadows is conducting regular inspections of dike systems and is in regular contact with the B.C. River Forecast Centre for updates. said Mayor John Becker.
Fraser River water levels at Mission are forecasted to reach 5.9 to 6.05 metres over the Sunday to Tuesday period.
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Once the water levels reach 6.5 meters at the Mission gauge, the city’s emergency operations eentre will be activated and daily dike inspections will occur until the water levels recede.
“We are advising residents to stay away from rivers and where possible limit use of the dikes to avoid interfering with inspections and necessary repairs that our crews are undertaking,” said Forrest Smith, director of the city’s engineering and operations department.
“Please stay alert to rapidly changing conditions.”
Meanwhile, Brad Scott, of Bradley’s One Stop Landscape and Renovation Centre, is giving away free sang bags to Maple Ridge residents who could be affected by flooding.
He said the business, located on Laughed Highway in the Albion area, just wants to help the community in a time of need and will provide sand and bag it for free. It will also make deliveries, although for a small fee.
Complete water level forecasts from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Flood Safety Section for various locations along the Lower Fraser River can be found on the River Forecast Centre website.
After reaching peak levels this weekend, flows are expected to recede slowly next week.
• Pitt Meadows will continue to monitor river levels and will provide updates as conditions warrant on the city website: pittmeadows.bc.ca/riverwatch, social media, and recorded message at city hall at 604-465-2475.
In Maple Ridge, visit the city’s website: mapleridge.ca
