Beachgoers in Harrison Hot Springs may have had a hard time finding space to enjoy the mid-summer sun recently, but it wasn’t the crowds that hampered their lakeside leisure.
Recent water levels in Harrison Lake and Harrison Lagoon swallowed up much of the sandy beaches over the days leading up to and following Canada Day. Due to significant snow melt in the higher elevations along the Lillooet River, water levels rose from the interior down to the Fraser Valley, which river forecasters said would cause Harrison Lake to reach 13.23 metres on July 2 and 3.
The beach along the lagoon was narrower than the adjacent sidewalk in some places, and half the volleyball court on the other side of the lagoon was waterlogged. Rockwell Drive was under a travel advisory for a full week as light traffic only was permitted through the area due to concerns of a potential flood. The District of Kent distributed sand and bags for those bracing themselves for possible flooding.
RELATED: TRAFFIC: Rockwell Drive open to all traffic
Though Harrison Lake is no longer listed as under flood watch, the Fraser River remains under a high stream flow advisory, which could cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.
The District of Kent advises the public to stay clear of fast-moving waters and unstable banks especially during the high stream flow period.
RELATED: Harrison Lake under flood watch
Property owners affected by local flooding may be notified of an evacuation alert. If you receive one, you are asked to prepare to evacuate if the situation deteriorates or an evacuation order is issued.
Those who do not have an emergency plan in place can create one online at preparedbc.ca.
For more information, contact emergency coordinator Mike Van Laerhoven at 604-796-2614.
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Road crews were set up at the base of Rockwell Drive in Harrison Hot Springs over Canada Day weekend. Due to flooding concerns from nearby Harrison Lake, travel on the road was limited to light traffic until July 6. (Adam Louis/Observer)
In some spots along the Harrison Lagoon, the beach was narrower than the sidewalk next to it due to high water levels. (Adam Louis/Observer)
Much of the lakeside volleyball court in Harrison Hot Springs was replaced with more of the lagoon just before Canada Day. High snow melt in the upper elevations of the Lillooet River caused local water levels to rise. (Adam Louis/Observer)
