Flooding

If a rain storm or freshet results in impacts to roads, facilities, and other services, specific real-time updates will be posted for each incident in a news post here.

The BC Lower Mainland is prone to heavy rain frequently during the fall and winter months. During periods of heavy rain, the Township takes proactive measures to help manage the impacts including:

• Having crews inspect and clear catch basins and culverts with a priority focus on known problem areas and to deal with other reported issues as required.
• Monitoring water levels along the Fraser River to gauge response and mitigation measures as needed.
• Having additional crews and equipment on standby and ready to respond to emerging situations.
• Communicating to the public on impacts such as road closures, flooded areas, and other important information.

Read the information below to be aware and prepared for localized flooding at your home or business caused by heavy rain storms or freshet.

Freshet

Each year, municipalities that border the Fraser River, including the Township of Langley, prepare for the possibility that melted snowpacks from the mountains could flood local rivers. Residents and property owners are encouraged to be prepared for the threat of flooding as well.

The Township maintains a comprehensive flood risk protection program. This program is reviewed annually and includes regular inspections. Township staff closely monitor snowpack and runoff forecasts as provided by the BC Ministry of Environment River Forecast Center.

Freshet Flood Response Plan

This plan includes regular dike inspections and monitoring of water levels and forecasts provided by federal and provincial agencies. The plan also identifies specific water levels at the Mission Gauge which if met, will trigger actions to mitigate and respond to any potential risk to those who may be impacted.

How to protect your home and property from flooding

To minimize potential impacts, here are a few things you can do at home.

Clear gutters and storm drains

Clear your homes gutters. To help prevent flooding in your neighbourhood, ensure the Township gutters and storm drains (inlet drains) around your property are clear of leaves, garbage, and other debris.

Clean your foundation drains

Perimeter drains, installed slightly below the house foundation, collect water from your house and property and direct it out to the Township storm sewer. The drains need to be periodically flushed or cleaned of yard waste and debris. If they are very old, they may need to be replaced. If they are not maintained, the amount of water they can handle is reduced, which can result in household flooding.

Clear ditches and culverts

If you have an open ditch along your property, check that water is flowing and that the ditch and culverts are clear including inside the culvert. Items commonly found in culverts include milk jugs, soccer balls, and other household items from blocked driveway culverts.

Compost yard waste or place it in your Green Cart for pickup

Don’t rake leaves onto the street or into open ditches. If you have a large amount of green waste, you can put out an additional 80 L cans marked with a GreenCan decal or use Kraft paper bags for pickup. Learn more here.

Roof drains and splash pads

If your downpipes are connected to a hole near the house foundation, your downpipes are likely connected to your perimeter drains. These downpipes take rainfall from your roof gutters to the perimeter drains around your house foundation. This can cause excessive flow to your foundation drains and result in flooding of your house. To prevent this, direct your home’s downpipes onto splash pads. This allows rainfall from your roof to soak into your lawn and garden.

Clear nearby curbs and catch basins around your property

Clear nearby curbs and catch basins around your property of leaves and debris. This can be done with a shovel, rake, or broom. Place leaves in your Green Cart and litter in your garbage. Don’t rake leaves onto the street or into open ditches.

After heavy snowfall

After periods of heavy snowfall, these are some additional steps residents should take to protect their properties from flooding:

• If you are aware of a catch basin located on your street adjacent to your property, remove any snow from its surface. Snow-covered storm drains prevent the melting snow from properly draining into the Township’s storm sewer system. This may result in water ponding and potentially impacting properties within proximity to the storm drains.
• Clear any drains you may have on your own property to help drain water away from your house.
• Take extra precautions when driving. Puddles on streets may be deeper than what they appear and may cause loss of vehicle control.
• Visit our snow and ice control webpage to learn about the Township’s operations during snow storms, and other updates in potential impacts to roads, facilities, and services during a snow storm.

Extreme weather and readiness

Read more information here and tips on rain, wind, and snowstorm preparedness, and options for seeking support and shelter.

Helpful tips

• Always remain vigilant near fast-moving water as banks and areas in close proximity to rivers and streams may be unsafe.
• If you see pooling water or flooding on the street, call Public Works at 604-532-7300 weekdays between 8:30am and 4:30pm.
• To report a public works emergency outside of business hours (weekends, statutory holidays, and after hours) call 604-543-6722. Flooding can lead to evacuations in a short time. Having a household emergency plan in place, which includes a grab and go bag in the event an evacuation alert or order is issued, a plan for pets and livestock and any other essential items such as medications and documents, can help reduce the stress and overwhelm during an emergency. Know the risks, make a plan, and prepare an emergency kit.
• Follow all signage and detour directions. If a road is closed due to flooding, do not attempt to drive through the closure, even if you feel your vehicle is capable of doing so.
• Sand and sandbags are available 24/7 all year round at the Township of Langley Operations Centre at 4700 - 224 Street. Please bring your own shovel.
• If you are already dealing with a major flood on your property, you may be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance funding. Visit: DFA Website

For those in need of shelter

For those in need of shelter, the Gateway of Hope opens its doors to those seeking refuge. When activated, their Extreme Weather Response Program (EWR) provides overnight shelter. Contact them directly for opening days and times.

• Location: Gateway of Hope: 5787 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC
• For other information: visit their website, call: 604-514-7375, or visit in-person at the above address.
• For more information about shelter availability, visit the BC211 website here or call 2-1-1 or 604-875-6381.

Stay informed

Follow all Township social media channels to stay up to date on the latest impacts and road closures caused by flooding emergencies.

Sign up for eNews to receive email notifications from the Township regarding flood prevention, emergency preparedness, and more.