Update on Fraser River Water Levels

New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster Emergency Management Office would like to provide the following update to residents regarding the potential for local flooding on the Fraser River, received from the Flood & Groundwater Section of the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations received at 1:00 pm today -- Friday, May 20, 2011.

The flood risk on the Fraser River is moderate, given that the snowpack for this time of year is above normal in the upper watershed (especially above Prince George). However, actual flows in the lower Fraser River are determined by weather conditions -- the next 3 to 4 weeks is the most critical period, as an extended period of hot weather in combination with heavy precipitation in the upper watershed could increase flood risk. However, if normal weather conditions prevail, the risk of very high flows in the lower Fraser is limited.

The City of New Westminster Emergency Management Office will continue to monitor the situation through regular liaison with the subject matter experts at the Provincial and Federal Government levels and will notify the community if necessary. In the meantime, interested members of the public may wish to visit our website for further information on the 2011 Fraser River Freshet and get links to the Provincial Ministries responsible for public safety.

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Contact: Dave Jones, Emergency Management Manager
                                604-527-4529 or mailto:djjones@newwestcity.ca