Emergency Alert: Flood Warning and Flood Watch issued for Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers

Late Tuesday night, a large landslide blocked the Chilcotin River near Farwell Canyon and has created a lake extending several kilometres upstream. The Chilcotin river is one of the main tributaries that feeds into the Fraser River. If this dam were to break, it is possible that dozens of evacuation orders and alerts would be issued along both rivers.

Map showing the areas of the rivers affected by the emergency alerts issued.

The River Forecast Centre has issued a flood warning for the Chilcotin River upstream of the landslide in the vicinity of Farwell Canyon. They have also issued a flood watch for the Chilcotin River downstream of the landslide in the vicinity of the Farwell Canyon and the Fraser River from the Chilcotin River confluence downstream to Hope. There is also a high stream flow advisory for the Fraser River downstream of Hope and out into the mouth of the Fraser.

People living along the Fraser River, from Hope to the Chilcotin Confluence, are encouraged to pack grab-and-go bags and prepare their homes for possible flooding by moving equipment and other assets from low-lying areas to higher ground.

Those planning to boat on the Fraser this weekend are being urged to change their plans and avoid the Fraser, particularly between Hope and the Chilcotin confluence. This includes avoiding the shore line of the rivers, as the banks can become unstable if there is a sudden rush of water.

Learn more and monitor changes to the situation: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/31july24a/

Download Alertable to receive push notifications for emergency alerts and evacuation warnings to your phone: https://alertable.ca/signup/index.html

Be prepared before travelling this weekend by reviewing our “Know Before You Go” resources: https://www.hellobc.com/know-before-you-go/