Emergency alerts have been issued as water begins to cascade over the landslide that struck the Chilcotin River last week. While the worst-case scenario may have been averted, the situation remains perilous along parts of both the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers.
The City of New Westminster, B.C., has notified residents and visitors that the boardwalk is closed until further notice due to the debris from the Chilcotin River landslide. According to a statement on the city’s website, the fast-moving water and anticipated debris in the Fraser River have necessitated the closure of the boardwalk.
Authorities are cautioning that conditions could change without warning, and boaters are advised to avoid the area for safety reasons.
Similarly, the City of Maple Ridge has shut down Port Haney Wharf and the Emmeline Mohun Park pathway as the debris flows downstream.
Located approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake, the landslide occurred last Wednesday morning, blocking the river and creating a temporary lake.
At about 9 a.m. on Monday, water began to breach the natural dam formed by the landslide. By early afternoon, the water and debris had reached the Fraser River.
Several properties along the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers are currently under evacuation orders, with the province urging people to stay away from the affected areas. Real-time water-level monitoring information is available through the Water Survey of Canada.
