2020 Freshet - Evacuation Alert Rescinded

UPDATE: July 15 4:30pm

The Trans Canada Trail on the west side of 208 Street from the 10200 Block to Allard Crescent has re-opened.

There are no longer any closures as a result of the Fraser River Freshet 2020.

UPDATE: July 14 10:00am

The Fort to Fort Trail between Allard Crescent and the Salmon River Dyke Station is now open.

UPDATE: July 13 3:00pm

The River Forecast Centre has ended the high streamflow advisory for the Lower Fraser River (from Hope downstream).  River levels continue to recede after peaking on July 6.

UPDATE: July 10 9:00am. 

The Marina Park Boat Launch and parking lot are now open.

UPDATE: July 9 8:00am

The evacuation alert issued on July 3 has been rescinded.

The BC River Forecast Centre reports that a high streamflow advisory remains in effect for the Fraser River, however they also forecast that flows will slowly decline in the coming days, alleviating the imminent threat to life and property.  The Township of Langley is rescinding the Evacuation Alert for the unprotected flood plain areas of Northwest Langley, Glen Valley and Fort Langley.

Residents are reminded to use caution and stay clear of the fast-flowing river and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.

The following closures remain in effect until further notice:

• The Fort to Fort Trail between Allard Crescent and the Salmon River Dyke Station
• The Marina Park Boat Launch and parking lot
• The Trans Canada Trail on the west side of 208 Street from the 10200 Block to Allard Crescent

UPDATE: July 3 1:00pm

Continued unseasonal wet weather in British Columbia is affecting water levels on the Fraser River.  The River Forecast Centre is predicting the river to crest between July 5th and 9th.  As a result, the Township of Langley Fire Department will be hand delivering alerts to unprotected properties in Northwest Langley, Glen Valley and Fort Langley.  

These alerts are intended to allow residents to prepare in the event flood waters reach heights that require property to be evacuated.  This is NOT an evacuation notice.

Properties shown in pink, green or grey on the map may experience some level of flooding in the coming days.

UPDATE: June 27 2:00pm

An increase in logs and large woody debris may be experienced on the Lower Fraser River from Saturday June 27 through Friday July 3.  Recreational boaters, marine traffic and infrastructure operators should be aware that more logs than normal may be floating downstream due to high streamflow conditions and decreased performance of the Fraser River Debris Trap resulting from high wood volumes diverted earlier in the season.

UPDATE June 26 1:30pm - CLOSURES

• The Fort to Fort Trail between Allard Crescent and the Salmon River Dyke Station
• The Marina Park Boat Launch and parking lot
• The Trans Canada Trail on the west side of 208 Street from the 10200 Block to Allard Crescent

Warm and wet weather earlier this week has increased snowmelt runoff.  Moderate rises through the lower reaches of the Fraser River are expected to continue into the weekend.  The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing river and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.

As of 8:00am on Thursday, June 25, the Mission Gauge reached 5.49 metres.  

The Township has a comprehensive Flood Response Plan that has been updated based on prior years' experiences, and includes regular dyke inspections and monitoring of the water levels provided by federal and provincial agencies.

The Township of Langley's Flood Response Plan considers the readings at the Mission Gauge to determine the threat of flooding and action that should be taken by those potentially impacted.

Residents in the floodplain are reminded to have a plan in place which includes arranging to stay with family or friends, having emergency kits packed with clothes, medication and other necessities, ensuring a meeting place has been established if families are not together if an evacuation is ordered, and making provision for pets and livestock.

1. Know the risks:  The Fraser River spring freshet results from snow melt in the Fraser River watershed.  The river generally starts rising near the end of May and continues until mid-July.  The Township strongly encourages property owners in the floodplain to consider the consequences of a flood happening on their own property, and to address any issues ahead of time.
2. Confirm your plan:  In the event of an emergency, residents may be advised by the Township to evacuate their homes.  Have a plan on where to go, what to take, and how to keep in touch with loved ones while you are away.
3. Create an emergency kit:  Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.  By gathering a few basic supplies ahead of time, you will not be as severely affected if your tap water or electricity is cut off.  Visit getprepared.gc.ca for a complete list of what to include in your emergency kit.

Visit tol.ca/floodresponse for more information.

Updates will be posted here, and @Langley Township on Twitter and Facebook.

Engineering Division
604-532-7300
opsinfo@tol.ca