Skip to content

Lower Fraser River at below bank full conditions

Despite the rain Monday across the Fraser Valley freshet waters not expected to rise too much
21772442_web1_copy_200608-CPL-Fraser-Freshet-Rain_1
Fraser River was still below bank full conditions as of Sunday, June 8, 2020, near Chilliwack. (Jennifer Feinberg/ The Progress)

Freshet levels were below bank full conditions on the Lower Fraser River Sunday night.

River watchers will note that levels at the Mission gauge were at 4.928 metres as of 6 p.m. on June 7.

Although steady rain was hitting the Eastern Fraser Valley on Monday morning, precipitation levels are not expected to create any flood hazards, or threaten any flood protection infrastructure.

“Bank full conditions” are when the river elevations have risen to fill the natural river banks but not yet spilling over into the flood plain areas, which is always a springtime concern in communities in the flood plain across the Fraser Valley.

The Mission gauge is the tool used for flood protection planning, response and monitoring for municipalities in the region like the City of Chilliwack and more.

Water flows would have to reach six metres at Mission to see any flooding into the unprotected areas.

The peak freshet was forecast for June 4-5, and has not gone much over five metres so far.

READ MORE: Freshet peak was to arrive soon

READ MORE: Private berm gave way in Chilliwack unprotected area


Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:
jfeinberg@theprogress.com


@CHWKjourno
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.

21772442_web1_200608-CPL-Fraser-Freshet-Rain_2
Fraser River freshet may have peaked last week according to data from the River Forecast Centre. (Province of BC)


Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
Read more