The City of Maple Ridge is keeping a close eye on the rising waters in B.C. during the current hot spell, as more spring runoff flows into the Fraser River.
As of Tuesday morning, the water level at the Mission gauge was approximately 5.5 metres.
There is no immediate risk of flooding. However water is running quickly and there is considerable debris in the Fraser River. The snow pack had been at 150 per cent above normal.
Should the warm weather pattern continue, current predictions indicate that the water level could hit the six metre mark by Friday and peak around the 6.6 metre mark next week.
Sudden warmer-than-normal temperatures across B.C. have led to a much faster, and earlier runoff for the Fraser River. Many gauges, including Mission’s, are above their historic flows for this early in the freshet season. There has already been flooding in the Interior, including hard-hit Grand Forks, and 2,800 people have been displaced. Almost 2,000 homes have been evacuated.
Continued hot weather and ongoing accelerated snowmelt are expected to lead to ongoing rapid rises on the Fraser River throughout this week and next.
Maple Ridge city hall is keeping in close contact with EmergencyInfoBC, which is monitoring the flood situation around the province.
It’s also checking with the B.C. River Forecast Centre, which sends out flood warnings and advisories about high running streams.
A high streamflow advisory is currently in place for the Fraser River from Hope into the Fraser Valley.
Current modelling says there is potential for flows in the 12,000 cubic-metre per second range at Hope, and potentially higher over the May 19-22 period, the centre said.
The city, on Friday, closed off the boat ramp on the Haney Wharf until the conditions improve. The main area of the wharf remained open.
Weekly dike inspections have been implemented.
Pitt Meadows has issued a press release asking residents to use caution in and around the dikes and waterways.
“Please keep pets out of and away from fast-moving water.”
