Heavy rainfall in B.C. causes mudslide, state of emergency and other weather havoc
Credit to Author: Stephanie Ip| Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2020 19:09:14 +0000
It’s been a wet few days in B.C.
The heavy rainfall has made for one of the wettest Januarys on record, and caused some skiers to extend their trips after a mudslide trapped them at a Fraser Valley ski resort.
Here’s a roundup of what’s up with the weather. Check back for more as the day continues.
A number of people remained trapped at Sasquatch Mountain Resort on Sunday after a mudslide due to heavy rainfall closed Hemlock Valley Road on Friday evening.
According to the B.C. Ministry of Transportation, the mudslide and washout occurred after nearly 140 millimetres of rain fell in the area of the resort. There is no detour available, as the road is the also the only route in and out of the Hemlock Valley.
As of early Sunday, ministry staff and maintenance workers had assessed the washout and a plan was in place to open one lane of traffic to begin letting people through.
“However, due to the significant extent of the washout, it will require approximately five to six days to complete,” read a ministry statement issued early Sunday.
“Ministry staff are in regular communication with Sasquatch Mountain Resort and the community association, the local government, the regional district and Emergency Management BC.”
Those not satisfied with waiting can pay $150 to secure a seat on TRK Helicopters to be shuttled off the mountain and dropped off at Chilliwack airport, though the helicopters require a minimum of 12 people to fly.
The resort will serve breakfast to guests staying on the mountain, while Molly’s Pub will open at 11 a.m.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District also declared a state of local emergency over the weekend, due to heavy localized flooding.
Major transportation corridors were closed by high levels of water on Saturday, particularly in the area of Crofton in North Cowichan.
As a result, 23 people were evacuated, with 18 of those people shuttled to Duncan to stay with family and friends. Another 28 people from North Cowichan and the Halat First Nation were housed Saturday overnight at the Cowichan Community Centre.
On Saturday, the district said the Trans-Canada Highway had been closed a kilometre south of the Chemainus River, as water on the roadway made it difficult to drive. The highway was later re-opened in both directions though local roads remained closed.
On Sunday, the district maintained its state of local emergency but said the threat of further flooding had subsided.
The Sumas border crossing has been closed in both directions due to flooding on Sunday morning.
According to Drive B.C., there is no estimated of opening available. Drivers are advised to use an alternate crossing.
REMINDER – #BCHwy11 #SumasBorder crossing is CLOSED in both directions due to flooding. Estimated opening time is unavailable. Next update 1pm. Please avoid the area and use an alternate border crossing. https://t.co/NGJs7pudsT @wsdot_traffic @TranBC @BCRCMP @EAMOperations
Squamish Valley Road has also been partially closed in both directions due a washout about 5 kilometres from Highway 99.
Crews are currently assessing the area. Only local traffic is permitted at this time.
More to come.