BC Hydro managing high inflows into Alouette Reservoir
VANCOUVER: Following near record January rainfall, BC Hydro is preparing for a major rain event in the Alouette Watershed that could result in the Alouette Reservoir reaching capacity.
In advance of the rain event, BC Hydro has been proactively releasing the maximum amount of water from the Alouette Reservoir into the Alouette River and through a tunnel to the Stave Reservoir. This creates space in the reservoir to absorb additional heavy rainfall, and reduces the impact of flooding downstream.
The next storm system is forecast to bring an additional 100 to 250 millimeters of rain today and tomorrow. This has the potential to raise the Alouette Reservoir to its maximum capacity. As a result, additional water may be released from the dam spillway into the river. This, along with the significant natural and unregulated inflows downstream of the dam, may cause the Alouette River to further rise and contribute to localized flooding.
BC Hydro’s Alouette Dam plays an important role in regulating downstream flows and provides additional flood protection during rain events, even when spilling.
BC Hydro is working closely with the City of Pitt Meadows, City of Maple Ridge, First Nations and Emergency Management B.C. Residents along the Alouette River are encouraged to be prepared for potential flooding.
BC Hydro is also reminding the public to use caution around the Alouette River and obey safety signage that it has placed along the river to advise of high water levels.
-30-