Residents on and around Carey Point have been notified by the City of Chilliwack of potential flooding this year.
A letter was sent out to those in the area on May 1 outlining the current levels of the Fraser River, and the forecasted peak of the spring freshet. According to the city, that is still a few weeks away.
“Water levels in the Fraser River may reach levels that could overtop the bank in the next several weeks,” the letter stataes. “The River Forecast Centre has predicted water levels will be in the 8,000 to 11,500 m3/s range for the Fraser River at Hope during the 2020 freshet season.
Carey Point has a history of flooding, as it is outside of the city’s diking system.
READ MORE: Three properties in Chilliwack on evacuation order
Typically, the top of the bank is reached when the flow is at 9,000 m3/s at Hope, they add. Whether the peak rises to that level will depend entirely on the weather over the next few weeks.
One of the worst flooding years was 2012, and that year the peak flow at Hope was 11,700 m3/s.
The city’s letter outlines the importance of emergency preparation, where to find more information, and who to contact at the city with questions. The city’s website contains all the information needed, including river conditions and forecasts, an emergency kit checklist, flood preparation information for the agricultural sector, and evacuation information.
There is generally a few days’ notice prior to flooding in Chilliwack, as forecasters watch the Fraser River as it flows from the north.
There are 15 properties north of the city’s dike that are in the affected floodplain, and three properties just south of the dike. Residents have already been shoring up current berms this season, in preparation for the rising waters.
READ MORE: Private berm outside Chilliwack’s Fraser River dike system gives way
@CHWKcommunityjpeters@theprogress.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.
