Fraser River boaters warned of debris, fast currents as water levels rise

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – There are warnings about fast-flowing currents and debris as the surging Fraser River is expected to peak through Monday and Tuesday between Hope and Vancouver.

Boaters, in particular, are being told to be watchful, with warnings that debris traps upriver in the Fraser Valley are being overwhelmed.

The City of Delta is among municipalities warning of logs and large wood pieces being swept downriver during a high streamflow advisory.

“Recreational boaters, marine traffic, float home owners, and infrastructure operators should be aware that more logs than normal may be floating downstream due to high streamflow conditions and decreased performance of the Fraser River Debris Trap, resulting from high wood volumes diverted earlier in the season,” the city’s website reads.

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It adds high-flow conditions are expected to continue until at least next week. The city says staff will be monitoring river dikes and floodbox outfalls each day but asks boaters and others on the water to “take precautions to mitigate the risk of damage from strong currents and instream debris.”

Meanwhile, in New Westminster, the wooden boardwalk along Quayside has been closed since Friday. The city is waiting for water levels to recede before reopening the walkway.

The boardwalk along the Fraser River has now officially been closed by the City of New Westminster. High water levels raising safety concerns.
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It is urging people to be cautious around the riverfront.

The warnings come as water levels continue to rise along parts of the river. The Langley Township issued alerts to a number of property owners over the weekend, warning them to be ready to evacuate if needed because of high water levels, though that risk seems to be receding with only a park and a few trails closed for flooding at this point.