Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Southwestern British Columbia continues to deal with high water levels and flood-related impacts after heavy rainfall over the past week. Flood warnings remain in Fraser Valley and South Coast, while municipalities monitor rivers, stormwater systems and critical infrastructure.
While floodwaters from the Nooksack River have finally begun to recede, the reality for those on the ground remains fragile. Evacuation orders affected hundreds of properties in the Sumas Prairie, and significant infrastructure disruptions included the closure of Highway 1 and severe damage to Highway 3.
The Seymour River reached 207 cubic metres per second—between a 50-year and 100-year flow—putting significant pressure on riverbanks and downstream drainage systems. District of North Vancouver crews remain on standby to respond to flood-related hazards.
Environment and Climate Change Canada notes that rainfall may pool in low-lying areas, affecting roads and urban stormwater infrastructure. Landslide risks persist in vulnerable zones such as steep slopes, deforested areas and recent burn scars. Strong winds have also caused widespread power outages.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre reports that a series of atmospheric rivers has created prolonged high-flow conditions across the South Coast. Officials highlight that high streamflows, wet antecedent conditions, and debris-clogged drains increase the risk of submerged roads, erosion, swift water hazards, and unstable riverbanks. Authorities urge residents to avoid flooded roads and riverbanks.
Abbotsford mayor Ross Siemens expressed disappointment in the federal government’s lack of action. “Within the first six months following the devastating flood of 2021, we developed a long-term flood mitigation plan to avoid this exact issue [ … ] again to be disappointed by our federal government,” he said at a news conference on Friday. “To put my city residents at risk once again, needlessly, because of inaction is frustrating.”
The situation serves as a reminder of the value of resilient river management, robust stormwater infrastructure and proactive planning in responding to flood events.
Featured image: Province of British Columbia
