Low-lying levels of New Westminster may need to take action to mitigate the effects of high water on the Fraser River.
Coun. Chuck Puchmayr, who chairs the city's emergency advisory committee, said the city recently received an update about the April 1 snow pack.
"It's showing, in a nutshell, we are probably in a situation similar to the levels experienced in 2007," he said. "We held our breath then and hoped for a slow thaw and delayed runoff, which is exactly what happened."
The April 1 snow survey and water supply bulletin showed record snow packs in the upper Fraser (152 per cent of normal) and the Nechako (165 per cent of normal). The middle Fraser and the lower Fraser were also above normal snow pack levels.
"We are in pretty good shape," Puchmayr said about the city's preparations for high water. "In 2007 we put some temporary stack blocks in a couple of areas. Right now we are pretty well covered at levels for the 500-year flood. There are a couple of areas below that."
According to Puchmayr, stacking blocks and sandbags would once again be used in these areas if there were a risk of flooding in New Westminster. While there's no need for panic, he said people along the river should be aware that the snow pack is at record levels.
"We are in a really good position," he said. "We did some mitigation in 2007. We are not in any kind of panic."
Weather will play a big role in determining how high the spring freshet will be this year.
"Don't pray for sunbathing weather right now," he said. "Right now we are in a La Nina position. It's starting to break down. That means cooler weather. The 30-day forecast is favourable for a slow thaw."
As the snow pack melts, the City of New Westminster will continue to keep an eye on the river levels and inform residents if there's any risk of flooding. If necessary it will make some improvements to those areas that aren't covered to the 500-year flood level.
"It's fairly quick to do," Puchmayr said.
If necessary, sandbags would be placed in an area of Queensborough near the old shipyard.
Some interlocking blocks that have remained in place in a small area near Braid Street would be taken apart so a new membrane could be put in place to ensure there is zero penetration from rising water.
According to Puchmayr, the area that's now home to Westminster Pier Park has been built up as part of the park construction and isn't at risk of flooding any longer.
"It's been a real positive mitigation in building that park," he said.
As the likelihood of high water becomes more known as the snow pack melts, Puchmayr said the City of New Westminster will keep residents and businesses informed about the potential risk of flooding.
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