The City of New Westminster is keeping close tabs on the Fraser River, which is on the rise.
Based on June 20 information from the B.C. River Forecast Centre as of June 20, the city was expecting river levels to remain high through the weekend.
"It's getting higher," said Jon McDonald, the city's manager of engineering operations. "I am not worried. I think we are going to be just fine - we will see."
As a precaution, the City of New Westminster planned to start dyke inspections on Friday, June 22 (today). Staff will also meet June 22 to determine if further action will be required on the weekend.
In recent months, the city has taken action to prepare for the possibility of high water. Equipment, such as sandbags and aqua dams, has been placed in waterfront locations and can be put into place quickly if it is needed.
"We are ready to go if needed," McDonald said Thursday afternoon.
A notice posted on the City of New Westminster's website stated that the Fraser River water level at Mission is currently forecasted to reach 6.38 metres late on Thursday. Due to tidal influences, the river is expected continue to rise through the weekend, with daily peak levels of up to 6.75 m.
Mother Nature, as always, plays a role in how high the Fraser River rises.
"There is still some uncertainty over the influence of this warmth/rain over the weekend, and this may lead to flows slightly higher than forecasted through Sunday," stated the city's notice. "River levels are expected to drop slightly into the early part of next week, however the transition across the province to wetter weather could lead to higher flows next week."
For updates on the high water situation, visit the City of New Westminster's website at www. newwestcity.ca.
www.twitter.com/TheresaMcManus
