Flood Warning: Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers

FINAL UPDATE: 11 a.m., Friday, February 2, 2024: 

The SquamishAlert has ended for residents in North Yards. Water in the Whittaker Slough and Business Park has receded to normal levels. Crews will continue to monitor levels throughout the day and pumping may still continue temporarily as a precaution if required.

A High Streamflow Advisory remains in effect. Residents are asked to please remain vigilant and stay clear of riverbanks and fast-moving water. 

UPDATE: 4 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2024: 

The SquamishAlert has ended for residents in Paradise Valley.

Due to remaining high water levels in the Squamish River, District crews will continue to pump water from Whittaker Slough near the North Yards neighbourhood through the night. Vacuum trucks will also continue working in the Industrial Park at the intersection of Queens Way and Pioneer Way. The SquamishAlert will remain active for residents in North Yards until water has receded and pumping is no longer required.

A High Streamflow Advisory remains in effect. Residents are asked to please remain vigilant and stay clear of riverbanks and fast-moving water. Updates will be shared as they become available.

UPDATE: 1 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2024: 

• A High Stream Advisory is currently in effect for the District of Squamish.
• The River Forecast Centre has ended the Flood Warning/Flood Watch for the District.
• BC Hydro has cancelled its Flood Alert. The Spill Notice remains in effect. Spill from the Dam is 275 cubic metres per second and will be held until a rampdown plan is developed.
• Environment Canada has ended the Rainfall Warning for Howe Sound.

The SquamishAlert has ended for residents in Brackendale and Garibaldi Estates west of the highway. District crews continue to pump water from the Whittacker Slough near the North Yards neighbourhood while the Squamish River remains at high levels. Residents in Paradise Valley will be updated later this afternoon. All residents are asked to please remain vigilant and stay clear of riverbanks and fast-moving water. Further updates will be shared as they become available.

UPDATE: 5 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 2024: 

The BC River Forecast Centre continues to issue a Flood Warning for areas around the Cheakamus and Squamish Rivers and surrounding tributaries. Temperatures remain warm and a rain warning is in effect through Thursday.

District crews will continue their efforts tonight to monitor and ensure all equipment remains in operation, as well as continue to pump water from Whittaker Slough near the North Yards neighbourhood. Neighbours in the North Yards area may continue to hear noise from vacuum trucks working in the Industrial Park at the intersection of Queens Way and Pioneer Way through the night.

All residents are asked to please remain vigilant and stay clear of riverbanks and fast-moving water. Further updates will be shared as they become available.

UPDATE: 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2024: 

District crews continue to work through the night again to monitor and ensure all equipment continues to work efficiently as more rain is still in the forecast. The good news is that river levels are dropping quickly. Efforts to pump water from Whittaker Slough continue in the North Yards neighbourhood where localized flooding has impacted some homes.

Pumps will continue to operate throughout the night and crews will continue to monitor the situation. Neighbours in the area may also hear noise from vacuum trucks working in the Industrial Park at the intersection of Queens Way and Pioneer Way.

UPDATE: 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2024: 

A Flood Warning remains in effect for the Squamish River and Cheakamus River, and a BC Hydro Flood Alert is still in effect for the Cheakamus River below Daisy Lake Dam. River levels are currently holding steady, and this break in the rain is helpful. The District of Squamish crews continue to monitor river levels and equipment, and undertake dike inspections throughout the day today. BC Hydro has advised that the spill release remains consistent.

A SquamishAlert has been sent to subscribed residents in Paradise Valley, Brackendale, and Garibaldi Estates west of the highway with instructions to continue to be vigilant and prepared with emergency kits and necessary supplies, should conditions change. All residents are reminded to be cautious around the edges of all rivers and tributaries during these increased flow periods and continue to be mindful of water safety. Stay clear of riverbanks and fast-moving water. Further updates will be shared as they become available.

Original Post dated January 29, 2024.

A Flood Warning has been issued by the BC River Forecast Centre for the South Coast of BC, including the Howe Sound and Sea to Sky regions. Additionally, BC Hydro has issued a Flood Alert for the Cheakamus River below Daisy Lake Dam. River levels are rising and may exceed bankfull overnight on January 29 to 30, 2024. Flooding of areas near the Squamish River and the Cheakamus River may occur. There is the potential for road or bridge washouts or closures. Residents in Paradise Valley, Brackendale, and Garibaldi Estates west of the highway should prepare accordingly and be ready for an emergency situation, should the situation worsen. Be prepared with emergency kits and necessary supplies. Residents are reminded to be cautious around the edges of the Cheakamus and Squamish Rivers during these increased flow periods and continue to be mindful of water safety. Stay clear of riverbanks and fast-moving water.

Resources and links

• Visit the River Forcast Centre for the most up-to-date information on flood alerts and river high-stream flow advisories.

• Updates will be shared through the District of Squamish Emergency Alert Notification system, and on the District’s website Squamish.ca and Facebook page.

• Sign up to SquamishAlert.

• Learn about flood preparation.

January 29, 2024