Flood Readiness

Image

A floodplain is land adjacent to a watercourse that is susceptible to flooding. A floodplain map outlines the area that can be expected to flood, on average, once every 200 years. This is called the 200-year flood. A 200-year flood can occur at any time in any given year; the indicated flood level may be exceeded; and portions of the floodplain can flood more frequently than others. 

Check our North and South Alouette River Floodplain Map or our Fraser River Floodplain Map to find out whether you live in the floodplain.

The BC River Forecast Centre is responsible for issuing flood watches and warnings for rivers around the province. 

Live on a floodplain? The City of Maple Ridge monitors rainfall amounts around the city and water levels in the Fraser River, North and South Alouette River, and Kanaka Creek using strategically placed gauges. Try it yourself to know when to take action!

Image

View the North Alouette River gauge at 224 Street

Image

• Determine if you live in a flood-prone area. 
• Watch local forecasts and monitor river levels and trail conditions, especially during heavy rainfall
• Pay attention to warning signs like rising water levels, debris in creeks, and changes in water behavior
• Know how floods could affect you: fast moving debris, home flooding, home erosion, blocked evacuation routes

Image

In the event of an emergency where there is a risk to community safety, residents may be advised to evacuate their homes or shelter in place for safety 

• Make an evacuation plan for where to go (friends or family are best), what to take with you, where to go, how to get there, and how to keep in touch with family 
• Learn how to safely turn off electricity, water, and gas.
• Stock up on water, food, fuel, and supplies for several days.
• Check flood insurance coverage for home and business, and take a personal inventory of your belongings.
• Ensure roof gutters are clear and storm drains are free of debris such as leaves.
• Secure or move hazardous materials to prevent environmental damage.
• Store important documents and records of valuables in a waterproof container or password-protected USB drive.
• Know all safe routes to evacuate your home if needed.
• Pre-register for Provincial ESS Support  EMCR ERA Registrant Portal (gov.bc.ca) 
• Review Emergency Planning for information on disaster preparedness.
• If you live near a waterway and notice trees beginning to lean and bend near your home, or cracks developing in the hillside, consult an engineer or contact local authorities.
• Check local forecasts and consider the conditions, especially if you are planning to enjoy the trails and river systems.
• When a flood is expected, park vehicles away from streams and waterways, move electrical appliances to upper floors and make sure to anchor fuel supplies. Listen to local officials if you are asked to evacuate.

Review our Flood Safety Checklist.

Image

• Prepare every member of the household to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours to a week.  
• Prepare an Emergency Kit that includes:
• Warm clothing and shelter from the elements
• Water and non-perishable food  
• Flashlights, phone chargers, wind-up radio and batteries for power and other utility outages
• Personal hygiene and first aid supplies
• Essential items for pets, livestock, babies, and family members with special needs
• For a full list of items, visit Prepared BC or Maple Ridge Emergency Readiness page

• It takes two people about one hour to fill and place 100 sandbags, creating a one-foot-by-20-foot wall. Make sure you have enough sand, burlap, plastic bags, shovels and time to prepare properly. 

Learn How-To Sandbag.

Image

• Avoid fast-moving water; banks may erode or collapse without warning
• Stay out of flood water; it contains unseen hazards, and 6 inches of flowing water can knock an adult off their feet
• Never drive through moving water, even on familiar roads—12 inches can sweep a vehicle away
• Keep an eye on children and pets, as they may not recognize the danger
• Monitor local media for updates
• Obey instructions from public safety officials. If told to evacuate, do so immediately
• Never drive around barricades as they are placed to direct you safely out of danger and prevent further damage
• If trapped, go to the highest level of your building—avoid basements and attics and signal for help from the roof as a last resort 

Image

• Even after the rain stops, waterways and flood water may still pose a risk. Be cautious and assess the conditions  
• Contact your insurance company if you have experienced flood damage as soon as possible
• Check for structural damage, downed power lines, and gas leaks before re-entering your home
• Do not use potentially contaminated water for drinking, cooking, or washing
• Stay out of floodwater, as it may contain debris and hazardous contaminants
• Use protective gear (gloves, boots, goggles) when cleaning up
• Always use generators and gas cooking appliances outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
• Be aware of electrical hazards; do not touch electrical equipment if standing in water
• Read the Red Cross's Flood Recovery Guide (PDF).

While the North and South Alouette rivers have independent rainfall catchment areas, their downstream floodplains can interconnect during rainfall events. Both rivers are unconfined (without dykes) and flow rates are driven by the intensity of local rainfall. BC Hydro can decrease some of the flooding for the South Alouette River, depending on rainfall intensity, available storage volume, and the dam spillway capacity.

The City’s study of the North and South Alouette River watercourses has resulted in the North Alouette and South Floodplain Analysis in 2016 and the completion of Integrated Stormwater Management Plans in 2021. To more accurately forecast flood events, the City has since commissioned additional work to better correlate precipitation within the two rainfall catchments with BC Hydro dam operations. This work will culminate in a flood response plan for the Alouette Valley.

View the North Alouette and South Floodplain Analysis

View the Integrated Stormwater Management Plans

View the potential flood extents map for the North and South Alouette rivers

The City of Maple Ridge has developed a Fraser River Flood Plan that is connected to the data from the BC River Forecast Centre. The City's response plan includes:

• Daily monitoring of weather forecasts and river levels
• Patrolling, inspecting and maintaining dikes and pump stations
• Preparing and disseminating flooding and flood preparedness information to the public
• Liaising with other government and utility organizations
• Developing contingency plans
• Updating the City's evacuation plan as necessary

View the Fraser River Flood Plan