Be Informed of Flood Risks
Last November’s ‘atmospheric river’ delivered unprecedented rainfall levels resulting in landslides and flooding that closed major roads and bridges for the region.
In Maple Ridge the storm abated before water levels in the North and South Alouette rivers impacted access routes to the Silver Valley hamlets. While these two rivers have independent rainfall catchment areas, their downstream floodplains can interconnect during rainfall events. Both rivers are unconfined (without dykes) and flow rates are driven by local rainfall intensities. In some circumstances, BC Hydro can provide some reduction of flow for the South Alouette River, however this ability is dependent on rainfall intensity, available storage volume and the dam spillway capacity.
The City has significantly studied these two watercourses over the years resulting in the North Alouette and South Floodplain Analysis in 2016 and the completion of Integrated Stormwater Management Plans in 2021. Further information on these studies can be found here at www.mapleridge.ca/2707.
In addition to the people whose homes are located in the floodplain of the North and South Alouette Rivers, the information has also been sent to homes north of the river system in the Silver Valley Hamlets as the access to their homes could be impacted by and extreme weather event. Citizens living in the flood risk area have been provided with a map that highlights properties that may be impacted by a severe weather event (See map as part of the background information or visit mapleridge.ca/2707)
To help keep our community safe, the City’s flood response plan includes:
- Daily monitoring weather forecasts and river levels;
- Patrolling, inspecting and maintaining dikes and pump stations;
- Preparing and disseminating flooding and flood preparedness information to the public;
- Liaising with other government and utility organizations;
- Developing contingency plans; and
- Updating the City’s evacuation plan as necessary.
Sign Up for New Emergency Alert System
Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive alerts through the City’s new emergency notification system (Voyent Alert!) will be used during future extreme weather events. Rainfall and river level impact projections can change rapidly, so it is important to stay informed and engaged.
The app is free, easy to use and residents can register anonymously on the mobile app or online to receive email, text or phone to receive emergency alerts or critical incident notifications. Go to www.mapleridge.ca/453 to download the application.
Be Prepared for An Emergency
Severe weather events are becoming more of the norm and local residents and businesses are advised to be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. For emergency preparedness tips, visit mapleridge.ca/1175.
For more information on the City’s flood response or emergency preparedness, please email enquiries@mapleridge.ca and follow us on social media to stay informed and updated.