May 29 - 2020 Freshet Update

PRESS RELEASE

       2020 Freshet Update

May 29, 2020

Agassiz, British Columbia – The BC River Forecast Centre provides regular updates for the overall snowpack conditions and freshet forecasts for the Fraser River watershed. By next week, the model from the BC River Forecast Centre shows that the Fraser River could rise significantly, and that Harrison Lake is expected to rise approximately 80 centimeters. Peak flows in the Fraser could potentially reach levels last seen in 2012 in the coming weeks.

If these forecasted numbers occur, this may cause concern in areas outside of the District’s dike system in Harrison Mills. Additionally, water levels along Rockwell Drive could impact the roadbed. There is the potential of flooding in other areas if the Fraser River continues to rise. It is also possible that peak times may vary between the Fraser River and Harrison Lake.

The river levels in 2012 also caused the local groundwater to rise, which may result in some water getting into basements or crawl spaces within the townsite. To minimize damage in the event this occurs, residents are encouraged to test sump pumps and move items off the basement floor.

Seepage or shallow ponding in agricultural fields located near the District’s dikes may occur and this is not unusual.

Riverbanks are subject to rapid erosion, especially when water levels and flows are high. For your safety, please exercise extreme caution around fast-moving water and riverbanks.

If you do not already have an emergency plan in place for your household, now is an excellent time to create one.