Reminder to public to be prepared
Overnight between July 30-31, a landslide over the Chilcotin River near Farwell Canyon in the Cariboo Regional District pushed debris across the river channel, damming the Chilcotin River and creating a lake extending several kilometres upstream.
The landslide directly impacts the Fraser River. There are many unknowns, and this continues to be a dynamic situation with potential impacts for communities downstream of the landslide blockage, including parts of Electoral Area B of the SLRD and the District of Lillooet.
The Province of British Columbia has released computer modelling information about possible scenarios for a release of water from the Chilcotin slide. Preliminary modelling of worse-case scenarios (a rapid collapse of the debris dam) indicates that peak water flows on the Chilcotin River near the landslide would be well above normal freshet levels. However, downstream water flows in the SLRD (including the Lillooet area) are expected to be lower than typical freshet (spring snowmelt) peak levels. While computer modelling does not currently predict catastrophically high water levels, the pulse of water we are likely to see may cause flooding in low-lying areas and may also include a significant amount of dangerous woody debris and sediment. For your safety, please continue to avoid areas in and around the Fraser River.
It is still uncertain when and how the water pooling behind the landslide dam will re-enter the Chilcotin River, but it could occur at any time. The Province is actively monitoring the situation 24/7 and will continue to share the latest information with the public as it becomes available. Computer modelling of dam release scenarios is ongoing, and risk assessments may change throughout the day.
People are advised to stay away from the Chilcotin River and Fraser River and to follow directions from local governments and First Nations. The latest provincial emergency information can be found here: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
The SLRD joins our neighbours and colleagues at the Lillooet Tribal Council and the District of Lillooet in reiterating that it is crucial that the public refrain from engaging in any activities near the Fraser River until further notice.
The SLRD has not issued Evacuation Alerts or Orders in response to this event, at this time. We continue to monitor the situation, and are working closely with the Lillooet Tribal Council and the District of Lillooet on a coordinated approach to this response.
Community members and visitors alike should be prepared to leave the area at any time and potentially with little notice.
This emergency is an opportunity to remind the public to use extreme caution, remain vigilant and, regardless of where you are located in the SLRD, prepare for all emergency scenarios.
Knowing what to do, where to go and who to contact will reduce stress and help keep you focused and safe.
This event is a reminder of the importance of emergency preparation for your household and neighbours. PreparedBC, British Columbia’s emergency preparedness education program, has resources and tools for public emergency preparation, so if you have to act, you have a plan. Preparing now will not only benefit you in this emergency, but in future emergencies as well.
Emergency preparedness reminders
- Know the hazards – knowing what hazards you need to plan for is the first step to being prepared.
- Make an emergency plan for yourself, all members of your household and your pets.
- Prepare your emergency supplies and build your kits:
- Ensure you have supplies, including food, water and necessary medicines, for at least 72 hours.
- Research insurance options and ensure your plan is up-to-date.Evacuation routes: understand how you will leave the area.
- Evacuation and recovery resources- Learn what happens in evacuations, what financial assistance you might be eligible for and other recovery resources.
Stay Informed
In an emergency, misinformation is dangerous. Get your information from official sources, and make sure you have access:
- Emergency notifications: Sign up for your community’s emergency alert notification system and download the free Alertable app to receive emergency alerts from the Province of B.C.
- Provincial emergency information: Follow Emergency Info BC
- Road conditions: Follow DriveBC
- Wildfire updates: Follow BC Wildfire Service and download the BC Wildfire Service app
- Flood-related advisories: Visit the BC River Forecast Centre
The SLRD shares Evacuation Alerts and Orders through the SLRD Alert emergency notification system. This information is also shared on our website, Facebook and X.