Potential Reduction in Flood Threat Downstream due to Worst-Case Chilcotin Landslide Models
Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma stated on Saturday that the worst-case scenario modelling for the potential impacts of an over-the-top water breach due to a massive landslide blocking British Columbia’s Chilcotin River points to reduced flood threats downstream.
Communities downstream along the Fraser River such as Lillooet, Lytton, Boston Bar, and Hope may experience higher water levels if the landslide blocking the Chilcotin River gives way. However, the water flows are expected to be similar to those of a typical spring runoff season, as mentioned during a news conference.
Minister Ma mentioned, “Worst case scenario modelling suggests that while flows in the Chilcotin River will be higher than normal freshet flows, water levels in the Fraser River are likely to be lower than usual, which is encouraging news for downstream communities.”
Nathan Cullen, the water, land, and resource stewardship minister, acknowledged that the slide scenario could impact the Chilcotin River ecosystem, but reassured that the Fraser River is prepared for any potential outcomes.
Despite the possible impacts on the Chilcotin River ecosystem, Minister Cullen stated that the Fraser River is equipped to handle higher water levels that could occur if the slide breaches, even under worst-case scenarios.
An estimated 1,000 meters long, 100 meters wide, and 30 meters high, the landslide at Farwell Canyon has blocked the Chilcotin River, creating an 11-kilometer-long lake behind the slide.
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