The District of Squamish is urging residents to stay well back from waterways this weekend after three people died in a boating accident on the Squamish River Thursday afternoon.
River levels are receding following this week’s heavy rain, but the district warns that banks along rivers, streams and tributaries may be severely eroded and unstable. Residents are asked to keep themselves, their families and pets away from the water’s edge.
Mayor Sean Easton expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who died.
“Squamish and the Upper Squamish Valley are close-knit communities, and this is very difficult news to fathom,” Easton said. “I’d like to thank first responders including the RCMP, Squamish Search and Rescue, and Squamish Fire Rescue for all their efforts.”
The River Forecast Centre has downgraded the Flood Watch to a High Streamflow Advisory and continues to monitor conditions.
Rain is forecast from Friday through Sunday, though amounts are expected to be lower than those recorded November 9–11. The rain is expected to ease by Monday.
Lower temperatures and a falling freezing level mean some precipitation is expected to fall as snow, reducing the amount of water entering the river system.
The district is sharing storm updates at Squamish.ca, on its social media channels and through the Squamish Alert emergency notification system. Residents can sign up for free emergency alerts.
