City issues evacuation alert for Carey Road area in Chilliwack

However, this predicted water flow is far below the city’s design dike elevations, at approximately a 1 in 20-year event.

The city’s dike system is built to protect against much larger floods like a 1 in 200-year event up to a 1 in 500-year flood. The city said in a release Friday afternoon that most properties in Chilliwack are protected by the city dike system, meaning this forecast is not cause for concern.

By comparison, the Fraser River flow at Hope in 2012 was 11,700 cubic metres per second and the water level reached 6.4 metres at the Mission Gauge.

The city’s Fraser River Flood Response Plan is predicated upon current and forecasted Fraser River water levels relative to the city’s dike system and at the Mission Gauge. City staff have activated the municipal Emergency Operations Centre, are conducting regular dike patrols, continue to monitor river and weather forecasts, and are taking every precaution necessary to protect public safety. City staff will provide sand and sandbags directly to at-risk properties in the affected area.

Wet basements could occur after groundwater levels in the Fairfield Island area rise. Residents are encouraged to take steps to protect their properties by preparing sump pumps and moving items off basement flooring. Like always, residents are advised to stay back and steer clear from fast-moving water.

While rain is in the forecast this coming week, Environment Canada and the River Forecast Centre note there is uncertainty about the amount of rain expected and how widespread precipitation might be.

Visit www.chilliwack.com/2022Freshet, or call the city’s Freshet Information Line at 604-793-2757 for information.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

City issues evacuation alert for Carey Road area in Chilliwack

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