Flood Watch in Effect – Residents Urged to Prepare and Stay Clear of Fast-Moving Water 

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Flood Watch in Effect – Residents Urged to Prepare and Stay Clear of Fast-Moving Water 

Maple Ridge, B.C., March 18, 2026 –  The City of Maple Ridge is advising residents, particularly those living in flood prone areas to take precautions as heavy rainfall continues. 

The BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded the High Streamflow Advisory to a Flood Watch for our region. This means river levels are rising and may reach or exceed their banks. Localized flooding is expected, and widespread flooding is possible if conditions worsen, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. 

Environment Canada and Climate Change Canada’s Yellow Rainfall Warning remains in effect, with an additional 100 to 150+ mm of rain expected through Friday. Warm temperatures and high freezing levels (2000–2500 m) are accelerating snowmelt, increasing runoff into rivers

What the City is Doing 
The City continues to actively monitor conditions and taking proactive steps: 

  • Enhanced Equipment: The City has two new sandbagging machines to fill sandbags in advance and make them available to residents living in flood prone areas and deploys the Hydrovac truck to clear debris from drainage systems and prevent blockages. 
  • Proactive Mitigation: Patrolling and maintaining dykes and pump stations, clearing catch basins, culverts, and flushing storm mains to improve water flow during heavy rainfall. 
  • System Upgrades: Improving drainage and ditching in key watershed systems to increase capacity. 
  • Monitoring and Forecasting: Using the City’s FlowWorks network of gauges and hydrological sensors to monitor water levels in coordination with provincial and federal agencies.  
  • Planning and Coordination: Updating the City’s Flood Response Plan to reflect changing climate conditions and strengthening coordination with emergency and utility partners. 
  • Preparedness: Public education and readiness planning, with flood response resources, staff and equipment on standby

Sandbags Available 
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to take action early to help protect their homes and businesses. Sand and sandbags are available at: 

  • Filled sandbags: City Operations Centre (23925 Dewdney Trunk Rd) 
  • Sand and empty bags: Maple Ridge Park (13180  232Street) - bring your own shovel 

Using sandbags now to divert water away from buildings, garages, and entry points can significantly reduce flood damage.

Residents are asked to take only what is needed. Supplies will be replenished as required. 

The following road closures remain in effect: 

  • 224 Street: 132 Ave to 144 Ave 
  • 136 Avenue (east side): 224 St to Foreman Dr 

Do not drive through flooded roads or closures. Driving through water can increase risk of damage to nearby properties and poses serious safety risks. 

Parks and Trails: please follow barricades and caution measures in place at riverside parks to keep residents safe.  

Alouette Dam – Potential Controlled Spill 
Due to ongoing heavy rainfall and already elevated water levels, BC Hydro may undertake a controlled spill at Alouette Dam to manage reservoir capacity and prepare for additional incoming storms. A controlled spill is a routine operation used to safely regulate reservoir levels. This is not an emergency event; however, it will contribute to higher river levels and faster-moving water downstream, particularly in areas where levels are already elevated. 
 
What residents can do to stay safe 

  • Check if you live in a flood prone area and ensure you have a home emergency plan and supplies
  • Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to take action to help protect their homes, businesses, and belongings
  • Ensure your emergency plan and supplies are adequate to cover your family, your pets, and your livestock’s needs
  • Have a plan to stay with friends or family outside known floodplains and move horses and livestock to higher ground or a safe location in case of evacuation
  • Connect now with neighbours or vulnerable residents to ensure they are aware and prepared
  • Pre-register for Provincial Emergency Support Services at: ESS.gov.bc.ca
  • Monitor changing weather and local river conditions closely
  • Clear leaves and debris from gutters and catch basins near your home to keep water moving. 
  • Avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flooded areas. 
  • Stay away from rivers, creeks during and after stormy conditions due to unstable banks. Keep children and pets safe around fast-moving waters. 
  • Secure outdoor items and equipment and move valuables from basements or low-lying areas  

Report Concerns & Hazards 

  • Report flooding, blocked drains, debris, or hazards: MapleRidge.ca/Report or call 604-463-9581  
  • Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines and call BC Hydro: 1-800-BCHYDRO 
  • Call 911 only in an emergency 

Stay Informed and Ready 

Be Prepared for Emergencies of All Kinds

For more information, contact EmergencyProgram@MapleRidge.ca. 

FREQUENTLY ASED QUESTIONS 

Why has the advisory been upgraded to a Flood Watch? Rising river levels combined with increased rainfall and snowmelt mean flooding is now more likely. 

Why does BC Hydro release water from the dam? To safely lower reservoir levels and create capacity for additional rainfall. At this time, BC Hydro is monitoring conditions to determine if a spill is required. Residents will be updated if conditions changes. 

Will this cause flooding? Localized flooding is expected. Widespread flooding is possible if conditions worsen. 

What impacts can residents expect? Higher river levels, faster-moving currents, and water potentially reaching the tops of banks.

What is the City doing to keep residents safe? Monitoring conditions, coordinating with partners, maintaining infrastructure, and making sandbags available to residents who may need them.