The Fraser River is on the rise again.
District of Kent officials warn residents that heavy rainfall in the Fraser River headwaters is leading to an overall rise of the Fraser River throughout the week with peaks expected on Sunday or Monday. The anticipated flows might exceed levels last seen in 2012 at more than 12,000 cubic metres per second and may compare to the levels not seen since 1972.
Properties outside of the dike may be impacted if water flows over the bank. District staff have notified residents living on properties outside the dike system to prepare for potential floods. Properties within the dike system are not expected to be heavily impacted.
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“The District continues standard freshet preparations including checking pumps, monitoring gauges and conducting daily dike patrols along with assessing the river levels,” said Deputy Fire chief and emergency coordinator Mike Van Laerhoven in a statement.
District officials strongly discourage recreation activities on the riverside and the dike at this time. Kilby Park in Harrison Mills, including the boat launch, day use area and campground, is closed temporarily due to high water.
District officials also recommend coming up with an emergency plan if one is not already in place. This can easily be done by visiting the PreparedBC website.
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Those with questions concerning flooding or who need access to sand or sandbags should contact the Kent-Harrison Emergency Program at 604-491-9046.
More to come.
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