The BC River Forecast Centre issued their daily advisory at 3:40 pm maintaining their ‘High Streamflow Advisory’.
* Water is currently working its way through the lower reaches of the Fraser Valley (Chilliwack downstream to the Pacific Ocean). As a result of increases in local inflows (including the Harrison River) and channel hydraulics, river levels are expected to continue to rise through the weekend through the Fraser Valley and reach peak levels on Sunday and Monday. For complete forecasts of the lower Fraser River water levels and timing of daily peak levels, see the River Forecast Centre website: bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca.
* The Fraser River at Mission (08MH024) is currently at 6.37 metres at the Mission Gauge and is expected to rise up to 6.50 metres on Sunday, June 24, 2012, into Monday, June 25, 2012.
* As of the morning of Saturday, June 23, 2012, a low pressure system was bringing rain across much of southern British Columbia. This system is forecast to continue to deliver more rain through Sunday, June 24, 2012,with the heaviest amounts expected in the Thompson River Basin (Shuswap, South Thompson and North Thompson Rivers). In the upper Fraser River (upstream of Prince George), the watershed is mountainous and runoff from rainfall rapidly moves downstream, creating significant “pulses” of water that travel down the river, such as what is being observed through the lower Fraser River this weekend. On the other hand, with strong influences from the large lake systems in the Thompson River (i.e. Shuswap, Adams, Kamloops), the Fraser River responds to rainfall from those areas with a longer, attenuated rise in river levels over a period of many days. This is what is expected to occur over the coming week ahead.
* River levels through the Lower Fraser Valley are expected to drop slightly on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, and then begin rising again towards next weekend. There is potential for increases above current levels over the Friday to Monday (June 29, 2012, to July 2, 2012) period next week. The amount of rise will depend on where and how much rain falls over the next few days.
* The River Forecast Centre will continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant.
MAPLE RIDGE OVERALL
The District of Maple Ridge remains activated at Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Level 1 and is closely monitoring conditions along the river, localized weather impacts and conducting daily dyke inspections. The EOC will be remain active and staff will be meeting daily until the river levels have receded to safe levels.
The latest information from the BC River Forecast centre and Environment Canada can be found on our website, mapleridge.ca, through the ‘Flood Watch on the Fraser’ link. We will post updates on the District Facebook page @yourmapleridge and you can also follow us on Twitter @yourmapleridge. We will be using the hashtag #FraserMR for local updates.
The Operations Centre telephone lines will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Calls received after hours will be routed to appropriate staff members who are on-call. The Operations Centre telephone number is 604-463-9581.
WHARF STREET
On the evening of Friday, June 22, 2012, as a precautionary measure, 43 homes on the unprotected section of Wharf Street in the Hammond neighbourhood were given an ‘Evacuation Alert’ in accordance with the District’s Flood Management Plan. District staff will continue to monitor the water levels and respond to enquiries from the residents in this area. We ask that people who do not live in this area avoid the area for the privacy of the residents.
To assist area residents in interpreting the forecast river levels, the projected peak on Monday, June 25, 2012, at 6:00 am is forecast to be 20 to 30 centimeters higher than the levels observed along Wharf Street at noon, Saturday, June 23, 2102.
KANAKA STREET (just north of the Lougheed Highway)
No significant change in this area. Rainfall overnight slightly raised the level of the wetland areas in the Kanaka estuary.
To assist area residents in interpreting the forecast river levels, the projected peak on Monday, June 25, 2012, at 6:00 am is forecast to be 20 to 30 centimeters higher than the levels observed along Kanaka Way at noon, Saturday, June 23, 2102.
GENERAL INFORMATION
On Friday, June 22, 2012, Operations Centre crews completed work on the construction of two temporary dyke additions as a precaution for the river levels forecast for next weekend. One section, approximately 200 metres in length, was built east of Kanaka Creek along Tamarack Lane, near the pump station for the Albion Dyke. The second section was built at a low point on the Fraser River foreshore at an industrial property in Albion and measures approximately 100 metres in length. Photos of both of these temporary dyke additions are available on the District’s Facebook page at facebook.com/yourmapleridge.
Daily Dyke patrols and water measurements continue.
The public space at the Haney Wharf remains open, however, the boat mooring ramp has been closed due to the high river levels and fast flowing water. Inspections are being conducted daily.
PUBLIC NOTICE
A sandbagging depot has been set up by the District at Albion Flats Landscaping Supply, and will remain open 24 hours a day until further notice. The depot is located at Albion Flats Landscape Supply, 23549 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge, telephone: 604-477-1971.
Water levels on the Fraser River and tributaries remain very high and water flows are fast. Exercise extreme caution if you are near the river. We also recommend that people stay off the Fraser River for recreation purposes. If you need to be on the river for work, please ensure that you are wearing appropriate safety equipment and use extreme caution.
