The atmospheric river that’s ripped through the Tri-Cities and Metro Vancouver today, Oct. 19, caused a mudslide in eastern Coquitlam.
Police say Quarry Road, between Calgary Drive and MacIntyre Road, on the eastern side of Burke Mountain, is closed — in both directions — after the route clogged at around 12:30 p.m.
Coquitlam Mounties arrived on scene to find Quarry flooded with fast-moving water and debris.
“Due to the treacherous conditions, the mudslide area is unstable, dangerous and unsafe,” said Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a news release.
“We are urging the public to stay out of the area and shelter in a safe place.”
Coquitlam RCMP are advising the public of a mudslide that has closed Quarry Road between Calgary Drive and MacIntyre Road in Coquitlam.
— Coquitlam RCMP (@cqrcmp) October 20, 2024
To learn more, visit: https://t.co/rhf04my9OM#BCStorm #Coquitlam #Mudslide #SafetyAlert pic.twitter.com/z3deHJ1X45
Fast-moving waters
The public notice came after the BC River Forecast upgraded its flood warning to include the Coquitlam River. Emergency Info BC urged residents to steer clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks.
In the City Centre neighbourhood of Coquitlam, the trail looping Lafarge Lake was barricaded by the city in some sections due to the overflow.
And in northern Port Coquitlam, Hyde Creek hatchery members worked with residents on Coast Meridian Road — placing pylons and tape around large puddles — to help keep traffic out of the deep water, said Jean Peachman of the Hyde Creek Watershed Society.
It’s suspected a log jam at the Hyde Creek underpass culvert was to blame for much of the flooding.
Caution tape was set up on some local roads, while catch basin drains were overflowing with water ⚠️ Stay safe if you need to get around the region today.
— Tri-City News (@TriCityNews) October 19, 2024
📸: Amy Siddaway | #PortCoquitlam #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/yaRiTbMd6m
Besides the water damage, the storm is also affecting drinking water, Metro Vancouver reports.
“Extreme rainfall on the steep mountainous terrain above Coquitlam Reservoir has resulted in drinking water turbidity [cloudiness] in eastern portions of Metro Vancouver,” the regional agency stated in a news release.
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