The high streamflow advisory for the Agassiz-Harrison portion of the Fraser River has not yet been lifted as the province assesses the impact of the Chilcotin River landslide last week.
According to real-time data from Environment Canada, the Fraser River near Agassiz most recently peaked around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at just over 14.1 metres, about one metre above the average flow for the week. The levels began to drop back below 14 metres within about three hours of the peak.
A landslide dammed the Chilcotin River on July 31, estimated to be 1,000 metres long, 600 metres wide and 30 metres deep. It finally gave way beginning Monday (Aug. 5). Emergency alerts were issued along not only along the Chilcotin River but the Fraser River – as far downstream as Hope – as well.
There have been no reports of local landslides or flooding in the area, but the Seabird Island (Sq'éwqel) officials said there was a higher risk of landslides and bank erosion with the increased streamflow.
The District of Kent's emergency programs coordinator Ryan Chiarot said local authorities continue to monitor the situation and attend daily briefings with Emergency Management and Climate Readiness B.C.
"The District of Kent has released public information encouraging anyone recreating by the Fraser River to use extreme caution while the High Streamflow Advisory is in place," Chiarot said in a statement issued Tuesday morning.
Waters near Lytton were expected to hit about three metres above normal, Boston Bar about two metres above normal and Hope about one metre above normal. While flooding was not expected or reported further downstream, circumstances are subject to change.
– With files from Kemone Moodley Jane Skrypnek
