Floods are common in BC and can happen at any time of year. The most severe floods usually occur in spring and early summer due to heavy rain and melting snow. They can also be caused by storm surges, ice jams or damage to structures like dikes or dams.
In some areas of BC, climate change and related extreme weather events have increased the flood risk. Rising temperatures, changing freeze-thaw cycles and rising sea levels can all contribute to flooding. Review the information below and ensure you are prepared in the event of a flood.
Freshet 2021 Updates
Seasonal weather during the snow melt season is a critical factor in determining the size of freshet, and whether or not flooding will occur. Intense or prolonged rainfall and extreme temperatures are important factors that can lead to larger freshets.
Based on June 3rd information from the Province of BC's River Forecast Centre, the Fraser River's water level is set to rise to the point where residents living in areas along the Matsqui Dyke may experience pooling of water or seepage in local fields over the next 5 to 7 days.
Residents are encouraged to stay away from high rising and fast flowing waters. Detailed flood information is available on this webpage and also available through the @abbotsford app. Residents are encouraged to download the app and ‘allow’ notifications from the app as users will receive notifications right to their smart device when and if the freshet conditions change. The City website provides flood information for the Fraser River, including emergency planning and response, runoff conditions and information for residents living in the floodplain. Residents in the floodplain are advised to familiarize themselves with the flood preparedness information.
Seasonal weather during the snow melt season is a critical factor in determining the size of freshet, and whether or not flooding will occur. Intense or prolonged rainfall and extreme temperatures are important factors that can lead to larger freshets.
The City of Abbotsford has an extensive dyking network to protect the community from floods on the Fraser and Sumas River systems. The City inspects and maintains the dykes and related infrastructure on a routine basis to keep the system functioning as designed. City staff are closely monitoring snow pack and runoff forecasts provided by the Ministry of Environment and the readings on the Mission Gauge, which is the main indicator of the rising water level of the Fraser River.
As of April 1, 2021, snow pack in the Fraser River basin is approximately 116% of normal. Residents living in areas along the Matsqui Dyke may experience pooling of water or seepage.
Seepage pooling is quite common during freshet. To minimize the seepage pooling and/or a boil on your property, please avoid the following activities from May to September near the dykes:
- the removal of trees or stumps;
- deep cultivation of fields; and
- digging holes with machines.
Further information is available from the following sources:
- View the areas where seepage pools were found during previous freshet seasons, or make an in person appointment at the Engineering Department at City Hall for a hardcopy.
- For more information on the snow survey and freshet season, please visit the Province of BC River Forecast Centre website.
- For real-time river level information at the Mission Bridge (Station 08MH024), please visit the Government of Canada Water Office website.
- Report water pooling on your property or to get information on the freshet season, contact the City of Abbotsford Dyking, Drainage and Irrigation Division at 604-853-5485.
Flood Preparation
- Know if you live in a flood-risk area.
- Prepare personal emergency supply kits for your home, car and work.
- Plan for at least a three-day (72 hrs) supply of food and water for each family member.
- Have a grab-and-go kit ready if you have to leave your home quickly.
- Keep important papers collected in a grab-and-go location or scan and email to yourself.
- If flooding is likely in your area, listen to local media reports for information.
- Watch for warning signs: increased height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, color changes in water or leaning trees.
- Consider arrangements for your pets and any livestock.
- Check on elderly, disabled and neighbors with a language barrier to ensure that they are aware of the flood threat.
- If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture; move essential items and any hazardous materials such as cleaners or pesticides to an upper floor or away from the area.
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves and unplug electrical items.
- For more information on utilities and flooding visit the websites below:
- Prepare for the possibility of evacuation.
- Always follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
- Ensure each family member has waterproof clothing and footwear.
- Lock all doors and windows and double check to ensure gas, electricity and water are all shut off.
- Turn off your gas at the main shut-off valve. Don’t turn it back on yourself. For information on how to turn off your gas meter visit FortisBC. Take extra care while driving - familiar roads may look dramatically different when flooded.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. Check the road conditions at Drive BC before you leave.
- Do not walk through moving water. Less than 15 centimeters of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, go where the water is not moving and watch for tripping hazards.
- In the event of an evacuation, make sure you register at the reception centre. For information on your local reception centre, visit your community website.
- Keep disaster response routes clear.
- Listen for news reports to learn whether the water supply is safe to drink. Fraser Health will release Boil Water Advisories as necessary. Visit Fraser Health for more information
- Avoid floodwaters - it may be contaminated or electrically charged from downed power lines.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
- Do not turn on electrical switches or wet electrical equipment unless approved by an electrician.
- To avoid a health hazard from eating food contaminated with flood waters, or left in an unplugged fridge - if in doubt, throw it out. Contamination can spoil foods and medicines, making them dangerous to consume.
- Contact your insurance and utility companies.