The City of Richmond is asking the public to steer clear of the Fraser River as excess water and debris are expected from the Chilcotin River landslide and dam breach.
Richmond and other Lower Mainland communities are warning residents about the high streamflow.
Connie Chapman with the province's water management branch told media on Tuesday that the flows have reached Lillooet and the Fraser River.
Chapman explained how the concern is the debris and also the rapid rise of water in communities. She said this rapid flow is a pulse of water, compared to the spring freshet, which is a gradual increase.
In response to this, the City of Richmond is increasing its dike patrols to monitor any increases in water flow that could impact the city's flood protection infrastructure and to monitor for debris build-up, according to Clay Adams, city spokesperson.
He added these inspections will be in place until Fraser River conditions subside.
The city is reminding people and their pets to be extremely cautious near waterways and to avoid entering the water until the natural risk has passed.
"The public is also advised to avoid temporary debris build-up that may occur on the shore and beaches," said Adams.
"These debris 'rafts' are often unstable and may unpredictably shift, or be pulled back into the river resulting in a dangerous situation."
-with files from Alanna Kelly, Glacier Media
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