Roughly 30 properties have been put under an evacuation alert in the Chilliwack River Valley Thursday. (Image Credit: Chilliwack River Valley Community)

By Alyssa Conti

Spring Showers

Landslides, flooded roads and potholes causing traffic delays from Chilliwack to Hope Friday

Mar 20, 2026 | 9:32 AM

UPDATE 11:15 A.M. Friday: A travel advisory is now in effect on Highway 1 between Bridal Falls Road and Old Hope-Princeton Highway for 32.6 km due to potholes and the intermittent lane closures to be issued as crews repair them.

Emil Anderson Maintenance explained that heavy rain and pooled water seep into cracks in the roadway, while freezing temperatures expand those cracks, causing them to collapse — creating or reactivating potholes.

“Despite daily patrols and repairs, the current weather and traffic are causing potholes to reappear quickly,” said the contractor. “We ask for your patience as our team works to safely restore roadway conditions.”

Motorists in the area reported seeing between six and eight cars with flat tires pulled over in that stretch since 7 a.m.

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CHILLIWACK — Fraser Valley remains under an orange warning due to this week’s prolonged rain event in the region.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says up to 120 millimetres of rain are expected in the area from Abbotsford and Chilliwack to Hope, with totals of up to 130 millimetres closer to Metro Vancouver, including Maple Ridge.

“Localized flooding is likely. Some roads may become impassable,” wrote the weather agency. “Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars.”

Single-lane alternating traffic is in place at Columbia Valley Road in Cultus Lake as of Thursday afternoon.

Residents reported that the washout was partially due to a large downed tree causing a landslide south of Sunnyside Campground.

A washout has also closed Silver Skagit Road at Flood Hope Road on Thursday, and the District of Hope issued a notice the same afternoon for flowing water on Kawakawa Lake Road at 2nd Beach due to severe weather overwhelming the culvert.

Evacuation alerts are still in place for roughly 30 properties in the Chilliwack River Valley along Wilson and Sheldon Road.

Strong southwesterly winds may develop in the wake of a cold front as periods of heavy rain begin to taper off this afternoon throughout the region.