River Forecast Centre downgrades high streamflow advisory for Chilliwack, Hope, but flows remain high locally

CHILLIWACK — B.C.’s River Forecast Centre has downgraded a high streamflow advisory for the Fraser Valley, including the Chilliwack River east through Hope.

In a Tuesday morning update, the forecast centre says substantial rainfall and snowmelt over the past three days have produced high flows across the region. It says rainfall rates have eased as light rain is expected to taper off by Tuesday afternoon. Warmer and drier weather is expected through the rest of the week.

The River Forecast Centre says most rivers have reached peak levels and are now receding. However, it does point out that in watersheds including lake-fed river systems, and areas of the Fraser Valley that received the last of the heavier rain, flows do remain high. This includes Chilliwack (Chilliwack River) and Hope (Coquihalla River).

River levels are expected to recede later Tuesday and into the remainder of the week. Trail users and walkers are reminded to stay away from riverbanks, and to not drive through flooded roads and washouts.