Squamish braces for more weather as High Streamflow Advisory and Rainfall Warning remain in effect

Residents encouraged to tune up emergency plans; help with drainage around their properties

The District of Squamish is reminding residents to be prepared in anticipation of more heavy rains beginning Thursday evening.  District staff continue to monitor road and weather conditions and will update the community with public safety messaging as needed. While Squamish is well-familiar with November storms, the extensive flooding and landslides in other parts of British Columbia are a reminder for residents to be prepared for the unexpected. Residents are encouraged to tune up their emergency planning, and assist in local drainage efforts by keeping catch basins, culverts and ditches adjacent to their homes clear and free of debris such as leaves.

A High Streamflow Advisory was issued by the River Forecast Centre for Squamish, in anticipation of a prolonged period of active weather as heavy rains are forecast to pass through the region.

Environment Canada issued a Rainfall Warning for Howe Sound predicting heavy rainfall of up to 80 mm through Thursday evening with the potential for localized flooding in low-lying areas.

For those who may need it, District of Squamish Public Works crews have set up a self-serve sandbag station at the north end of Brennan Park Recreation Centre (Ball Field #5 as shown in the map below). Residents should bring a spade/shovel and help themselves. District shovels are available for use for those in need, and should be left behind for the next in line.

The District is advising the public to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts and to please use extra caution, especially for those heading into the backcountry.

What you can do:

• Prepare a home emergency kit: If you haven’t already, be prepared at home with enough food, water, warm clothing, and other essentials for 72 hours, or ideally one week. Emergency kits should ideally also include a rechargeable battery pack for keeping mobile devices charged. Find our Emergency Grab-and-Go Kit checklist here.
• Prepare a vehicle emergency kit: A vehicle emergency kit is strongly advised in the event of being stranded. This would include items such as food, water, warm blankets, warning lights and flares, booster cables and cell phone chargers. Find a checklist here.
• Check DriveBC for current road conditions before traveling anywhere.
• Stay tuned to Environment Canada and the River Forecast Centre for weather alerts and warnings.
• Tune into the District of Squamish website and the District of Squamish and Squamish Nation and social media feeds as trusted resources for local information.
• Subscribe to the Squamish Alert emergency notification system for important instructions should an emergency event arise.

For road or localized flooding concerns, residents should contact Public Works at 604.815.6868 or after hours at 604.815.4040. The gravel portion of Mamquam Road (east of Paco Road below Quest University) remains closed.

For more information about the District’s Emergency Program and emergency preparedness resources visit squamish.ca/emergency-program/.

To learn about the District’s Integrated Flood Hazard Management Program, visit https://squamish.ca/flooding-and-sea-level-rise-what-you-should-know-about-squamishs-management-plan/.

November 25, 2021