Chilcotin River Landslide Update

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

Information checkpoints in Farwell Canyon will soon be disbanded. Community information officers from Tl’esqox and Yuneŝit’in have been stationed in this area since the Chilcotin River landslide occurred on July 31, 2024. They have been present to inform people entering the area of the continued risks in the area following the initial landslide.

There is an area of high-risk for further landslides along the riverbanks near Farwell Canyon Bridge. A highly visible fault line on the riverbank south of Farwell Canyon Bridge is of immediate concern, and the area below it is not safe for public access. While the primary concern remains the area near Farwell Canyon bridge due to the high level of public access and the presence of Indigenous fishing sites, other areas along the Chilcotin River may also pose significant hazards to public safety.

Because of the continued uncertainty about slope stability following the release of water on August 5th from the landslide debris dam, crown lands along the riverbed and riverbanks of the Chilcotin River are subject to a Crown Land Closure issued on September 18, 2024. This area extends from south of Dante’s Inferno Park to the confluence with the Fraser River. Hazard assessments are ongoing in this area and will inform further action to ensure public safety.

Public access to this area is strictly prohibited without authorization from the Province of B.C. to access the area. This instrument remains in place until January 25, 2025, but may be extended by the provincial government. At this time, Farwell Canyon Road remains open to the public and is not subject to the Crown Land Closure.

WLFN; Esk'etemc FN; Province of BC sign Letter of Understanding re: Chilcotin River Landslide

Courtesy of Williams Lake First Nation:

Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) today announced that British Columbia, Esk’etemc, and WLFN have concluded a government-to-government Letter of Understanding with respect to the Chilcotin River (Pesxenmétkwe) landslide that occurred on July 31, 2024. Under the Letter of Understanding, the parties agree to work together to jointly address the impact of the landslide.

The Letter of Understanding addresses a number of topics, including fisheries and other environmental impacts, cultural heritage, information sharing and potential causes of and responses to the Chilcotin River landslide. The Letter of Understanding provides for two key discussion tables, one consisting of senior elected officials and another consisting of key administrative staff. The Letter of Understanding also envisions the possibility that other parties may become signatories.

Kúkwpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars, Williams Lake First Nation:

We’re grateful to conclude this arrangement with the Province. This landslide could have huge implications for the fishery and our hope is to see the best possible outcomes in the circumstances. We commend the Province for working with us on a true government-to-government basis, and for making efforts to integrate our traditional and other knowledge as we develop strategies to address the impacts of the landslide. As Yecwmíǹmen or “Stewards of the Land” we look forward to collaborating with the Province and other affected First Nations.

Kúkwpi7 (Chief) Fred Robbins, Esk’etemc:

Together we are working towards a solution that honours our lands, our waters, and our people. We commend the Province for stepping up and recognizing the importance of Indigenous leadership in these critical matters. This Letter of Understanding highlights the importance of working together to protect our environment for future generations. This partnership is a vital step in our shared journey towards reconciliation. 

The Hon. Nathan Cullen - Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Province of British Columbia:

We responded to the landslide by bringing together modern technology, including LiDAR, and traditional knowledge, by collaborating with First Nations affected by the event. This includes partnering with First Nations governments such as the Williams Lake First Nation, Esk’etemc, and the Tŝilhqot’in National Government. The Letter of Understanding with the Williams Lake and Esk’etemc First Nations is one example where the Province is working together with First Nations governments and experts to take additional actions to support the recovery.

Chilcotin River Landslide Area Downgrade to Alert

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

Pursuant to the BC Emergency and Disaster Management Act, the evacuation order in the Chilcotin River Landslide Area issued on July 31, 2024 at 12:15 p.m. and the Chilcotin River Landslide Area 3 issued on August 9, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. are being downgraded to an Evacuation Alert effectively known as the Chilcotin River Landslide Area Evacuation Alert by the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)

Full background: https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/evacuation-orders-alerts-current.aspx

Cariboo RD EOC makes changes to Evacuation Alerts/Orders - August 9th, 2024

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre:

Effective today -- the following changes to active Evacuation Alerts/Orders are made:

*rescind Chilcotin Confluence North Area Evacuation Order issued on August 4, 2024 at 10:15 p.m

* partially rescind the Chilcotin River Landslide Area 2 Order and replace it with a smaller area order named Chilcotin River Landslide Area 3

Interactive map: www.cariboord.ca/EOCorderalerts or call 1-866-759-4977, which is open 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Cariboo RD EOC Update (Chilcotin River Landslide) -- August 8th, 2024

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District's (CRD) Emergency Operations Centre:

Our CRD Emergency Operations Centre is continuing to monitor the Chilcotin River Landslide event and everyone is reminded to stay informed and stay safe:

There is a continued increased risk of additional landslides and bank erosion on the Chilcotin River from the blockage to the confluence, and upstream where the lake drained.

There is a Flood Watch for the Chilcotin River upstream of the landslide and  a Flood Watch for Chilcotin River downstream of the landslide to the Fraser River confluence.

Our current Evacuation Orders will continue to be in effect until assessments are done.

For more information about the Chilcotin River Landslide event and associated issuances, go to 

https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/31july24a/

Safety prioritized as water begins to overflow Chilcotin River landslide

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Water has begun to overflow the landslide blocking the Chilcotin River near Farwell Canyon.

A BC Emergency alert has been issued to cellphones, radio and television to advise people in the area on or along the riverbanks of the Chilcotin River from Hanceville to the Fraser River, and the Fraser River from the Chilcotin River to the Gang Ranch Road bridge to evacuate immediately due to flooding and debris flow. People unable to evacuate themselves should call 911.

People also need to stay off the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers and away from riverbanks due to the risk of fast-moving water and debris. Even if the water elevation in an area may be similar to freshet (spring flooding) levels, the water will react differently, with greater momentum and force, than a gradual increase in water levels.

Teams are on site assessing the movement of the landslide and the Province provided an update earlier today -- click here

Additional BC Emergency alerts will be issued to people downstream on and along the Fraser River as peak flows progress. People must follow the instructions noted in the alert. Real-time water-level monitoring information is publicly available through the Water Survey of Canada: https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/

People in communities along the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers should stay up to date with their local government or First Nation regarding evacuation alerts, orders and routes to safety. This information is also amplified here: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

For information about road conditions, visit: https://drivebc.ca/  

For imagery, data and other information about the Chilcotin River landslide, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/landslide  

Cariboo RD EOC issues new Evacuation ORDER - Chilcotin Confluence North Area

From the Cariboo RD Emergency Operations Centre:

"Pursuant to the BC Emergency and Disaster Management Act, an Evacuation Order has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for one parcel in the area immediately north of the Chilcotin River’s confluence with the Fraser River. This order covers 350 hectares"

Full background: https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/evacuation-orders-alerts-current.aspx f

Water expected to overtop Chilcotin landslide tonight, early tomorrow

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

With the assistance of external experts, B.C. government staff continue to monitor the Chilcotin River landslide 24/7, conduct aerial survey flights and gather additional technical data.

The Province has also just launched a web portal to share the latest information about the slide with the public.

Based on current modelling, it’s expected that water will start to move over (overtop) the blockage late on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, or early on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, and enter the riverbed below the slide site.

There has been minimal seepage of water through the natural dam created by the landside on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, so the water level behind the dam has continued to increase steadily in recent days. It is rising at a rate of about 18 centimetres per hour.

As refinement of data continues, inputs into the 2D model have allowed for updates to the model. The best and more-likely scenario is still that it would take 12 to 24 hours for the trapped water to move through and past the blockage. This is expected to result in flows below typical freshet (spring flooding) peaks on the Fraser River, though far above freshet peaks on the Chilcotin River. In the 12-hour scenario, the peak flows in the Chilcotin River could be over 10 times greater than a typical freshet peak flow. In the 24-hour scenario, the peak flow could be over seven times greater than a typical freshet peak flow.

In the worst-case scenario, where the lake behind the dam drains very rapidly (within one hour), updated modelling shows higher flows than presented yesterday: significantly higher on the Chilcotin River, and flows at or below freshet flows on the Fraser River. In this scenario, the water in the Chilcotin River could potentially rise to 21 metres at the Farwell Canyon bridge and 12 metres where the Chilcotin River meets the Fraser River. Peak flows in the Fraser River at Lillooet could be similar to or just above a typical freshet-peak flow. The peak flow could take 12-13 hours to reach Lillooet. Communities have been provided with the updated modelling.

Though similar to elevation of heights during freshet flows, the water will react differently, with greater momentum and force, than a gradual increase in water levels.

People are urged to keep out of the Chilcotin River valley between Hanceville and the confluence of Fraser River. An evacuation order issued by the Cariboo Regional District remains in place. People are also advised to stay away from the banks of the Fraser River. Planning continues to address potential impacts of debris as it relates to public safety.

Risks to public safety include the potential for further landslides upstream of the natural dam and downstream of the dam once water begins to flow past it. 

The landslide incident poses potential impacts to spawning salmon and other fish species. The Province is working with First Nations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to establish an incident command structure, mobilize resources and plan mitigation efforts. 

The Province is preparing for all possible outcomes since modelling does not provide guarantees. Provincial personnel and partnering agencies continue to work day and night to gather real-time information from the site, to prepare for any mitigation that may be necessary, and to keep people in British Columbia informed and safe. The Province will continue to share the latest information with the public as it becomes available.

As water makes its way down the Chilcotin River and Fraser River, the Province will monitor water levels and will continue to provide updates. Real-time water-level monitoring information is publicly available through the Water Survey of Canada: https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/

New web portal for Chilcotin River landslide information:

The B.C. government has created a new web portal to share information about the Chilcotin River landslide with the public and members of the media.

This site includes photos and video of the landslide site and nearby areas; information bulletins issued to date by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship; a link to updates issued by the River Forecast Centre; mapping information and additional resources.

Learn More:

To view the new web portal for Chilcotin River landslide information, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/landslide

Cariboo RD EOC issues 2 Evacuation ORDERS -- Churn Creek Bridge Area/Chilcotin River’s confluence with the Fraser River

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre:

Pursuant to the BC Emergency and Disaster Management Act, Evacuation ORDERS has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for two parcels in the Churn Creek Bridge Area. This order covers 157 hectares, including the previous Evacuation Alert area and a new area to the north of the confluence of the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers as well as for eight parcels in the area immediately south of the Chilcotin River’s confluence with the Fraser River. This order covers 962 hectares.

Due to immediate danger to life safety due to flooding caused by landslide, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action. You must leave the area IMMEDIATELY

Full background and what you need to know -- https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/evacuation-orders-alerts-current.aspx

Province of BC Update on Chilcotin Landslide Situation - August 1st, 2024

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

A flood warning, flood watches and an evacuation order remain in place due to a landslide over the Chilcotin River near Farwell Canyon.

The Province is continuing to take action with partners to keep people safe with around-the-clock monitoring in place and a risk assessment underway.

In the morning of Wednesday, July 31, 2024, a landslide blocked the Chilcotin River, which feeds into the Fraser River. The landslide is approximately 22 kilometres upstream from the Farwell Canyon Bridge and is estimated to be roughly 600 to 800 metres in length, 300 to 600 metres in width and roughly 30 metres in depth.

The landslide has dammed the Chilcotin River and water is pooling behind the debris. It is estimated that the water has backed up behind the dam approximately eight kilometres up the river. The material blocking the river is composed of sands, silts and clays, which are susceptible to rapid erosion.

Provincial personnel are assessing and monitoring the landslide with modelling and mapping, geotechnical assessments, remote sensing technology, Light Detection And Ranging Data (LiDar) and environmental impact assessments. The focus is on learning as much as possible about when and how the water is most likely to be dispersed to the Chilcotin River.

At this time, there is no anticipated timeline on when this may occur. Personnel are monitoring the site 24/7. Drones and aerial resources are also being used for monitoring.

It is possible a large amount of debris will flow down the Chilcotin River to the Fraser River confluence, then south to Hope and ultimately to the ocean. However, even if a rapid surge were to happen at the landslide site, it is expected to take a number of hours for the debris and increased water levels to make it down the river to the vicinity of Hope.

The Province is continuing to co-ordinate with local authorities, First Nations and the federal government.

BC Emergency Alerts have been issued via cellphones, radio and television to people near the area. The Cariboo Regional District has an active evacuation order in place for areas surrounding the landslide. The Province is prepared to issue further BC Emergency Alerts as needed. For more information on active evacuation alerts and evacuation orders, visit: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

People are urged to avoid the Chilcotin River and the Fraser River from Hope to the Chilcotin River confluence. People living in areas where a flood warning, flood watches and high streamflow advisory have been issued are encouraged to pack a grab-and-go bag and have an evacuation plan ready in case they are required to evacuate.  

The Province has been working with communities to open evacuation reception centres as a precaution. The Province is prepared to take additional actions to keep people and communities safe in the event of flooding. Sandbags, sandbag machines, gabions and tiger dams are ready to be deployed to communities if needed.

The Province will continue sharing information as it becomes available.

BC River Forecast Centre issues Flood Warnings re: Chilcotin River Landslide

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued the following, in relation to the Chilcotin River Landslide:

* Flood Watch --  Chilcotin River upstream of Farwell Canyon 

* Flood Warning -- Chilcotin River, Fraser River from Chilcotin River to Hope 

* High Streamflow Advisory – Fraser River downstream of Hope 

The warnings can be read in full at http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/advisories/FWT_2024_07_31_1600_Chilcotin_Fraser_iss.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawEXqSZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfPrZFbYMTvD24Nb7lLcbb-0qW3XuC4ial0kIDiTTFucAwY-9Dxh_jz_Kg_aem_JFSqHgFjEEU8hci0QMOgow

Cariboo RD Evacuation ORDER #2 - Chilcotin River Landslide Area (Cariboo RD - Area "K"/East Chilcotin)

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District's Emergency Operations Centre:

The Cariboo Regional District has issued an evacuation order for the Chilcotin River Landslide area #2, which includes the Hanceville bridge over the Chilcotin River.

Due to immediate danger due to flooding caused by a landslide, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting the evacuation order. The evacuation route is north to Highway 20 and then east into Williams Lake.

Anyone evacuated from their primary residence should call 1-250-267-4861 to access Emergency Support Services.

Interactive map: https://lnkd.in/gGU4JQ8n

Please visit the Cariboo Regional District website and online searchable map for more details or call 1-866-759-4977, which is open 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m

Cariboo RD Evacuation ORDER - Chilcotin River Landslide Area (Cariboo RD - Area "K"/East Chilcotin)

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District's Emergency Operations Centre:

The Cariboo Regional District has issued an evacuation order for the Chilcotin River Landslide area, which includes the Farwell Canyon Road bridge over the Chilcotin River.

Due to immediate danger due to flooding caused by a landslide, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting the evacuation order. The evacuation route is north to Highway 20 and then east into Williams Lake. Anyone evacuated from their primary residence should call 1-250-267-4861 to access Emergency Support Services.

Interactive map: www.cariboord.ca/EOCorderalerts

More at https://www.cariboord.ca/en/news/2024-07-31-chilcotin-river-landslide-area-evacuation-order.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawEXcqdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcr2djgNbHiOMT4Gop7XpfUPyuKhC_GVpE8QBKxC3Z74CL4LCikkOf047w_aem_sgDqbWl0F1nkga8iRk_0GQ

Please visit the Cariboo Regional District website and online searchable map for more details or call 1-866-759-4977, which is open 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.