Storm Update
The third ‘atmospheric river’ event will start overnight and run from Tuesday through to Thursday morning. The forecast calls for total rainfall amounts of up to 200 mm in the mountains north of our community and 100 mm in the low-lying areas.
River Impacts
The Alouette Reservoir peaked on Monday as the rain from the last system flushed into the reservoir. BC Hydro is currently doing a controlled release of water into the South Alouette to create capacity for the next storm, however rainfall amounts at the high end of the forecast range will result in the dam reaching ‘freecrest’ level resulting in an uncontrolled release into the South Alouette. This could result in flood impacts for properties along the South Alouette River.
The North Alouette levels receded overnight and roads have been reopened 224 Street north to 144 Avenue and the entire section of 132 Avenue has reopened to the public. The next rainfall will likely result in additional flooding and road closures. With the higher levels of water flow projected on the South Alouette, we may have conditions similar to the November 15 weather event or greater.
The Kanaka water system is expected to have high waterflows and volumes throughout the next rain event lasting into Thursday.
Current Situation
City staff are delivering letters to properties along the South Alouette at greatest risk of impacts from flooding due to the Alouette River reaching an uncontrolled release stage. The letter has a recommendation for citizens to ensure that they have an emergency plan in place and are ready to self-evacuate should the conditions warrant.
A map has been developed to indicate properties that are at risk of flood impacts from the third wave of the ‘atmospheric rivers.’ If you are in these areas you are asked to ensure that you have an emergency plan and that you take steps to protect your pets and valuable property should an evacuation be required.
It is important to be prepared for the conditions at the high end of the forecast rain amounts.
Next Steps
Sand and sandbags are available at the 232 Street parking lot at Maple Ridge park adjacent to the South Alouette Bridge. There is also sand and sandbags at the parking lot adjacent to the Hammond outdoor pool at 20601 Westfield Avenue.
Citizens are encouraged to sign up for notifications through the City’s Alert Centre at mapleridge.ca/list.aspx. You can subscribe to Emergency Alerts or any other notification you choose. With the option to receive email or text notifications. Please share this information with your friends and family. Stay safe.
Updates will be posted as a spotlight on the City’s website at mapleridge.ca.
