Image: Ronnie Lee Hill Photography, Vancouver Photographer / AbbyPD

By Alyssa Conti

HEAVY RAINFALL

Flood warning maintained for Sumas River

Dec 13, 2025 | 1:01 PM

FRASER VALLEY — Despite dropping levels on the rivers surrounding the Fraser Valley, the River Forecast Centre is maintaining its flood warning on the Sumas River due to the upcoming rainfall event.

A series of storms is expected to begin late Saturday evening (Dec. 13) and continue through next week, with heavy rainfall possible over Monday.

Flows on the Nooksack River have been dropping since Thursday afternoon, and drainage into the Sumas River stopped late Thursday night.

The Sumas River near Huntingdon has dropped roughly 25 centimetres from its peak level as of Saturday morning and is expected to keep declining throughout the weekend.

Forecasts from the Northwest River Forecast Center indicate another overflow into Sumas is unlikely, but local inflow may increase between Sunday and Tuesday, causing floodwaters to run off more slowly into the river.

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Ground saturation throughout the rainfall can increase surface runoff in vulnerable areas.

“Heavy rain and high streamflow bring increased risk for unstable banks, river erosion, submerged roads, swift water hazards, flooding and landslides,” wrote the River Forecast Centre. “Stay clear of the banks of swift running rivers and never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings.”

Residents are also asked to keep storm drains clear, as leaves can clog them and affect city drainage at this time of year.

More details on flood hazard preparation are available online through PreparedBC.