A high streamflow advisory for the Lower Fraser River was lifted Monday, though water levels along the river remain seasonally high.
Snow melt in the mountains and Fraser River headwaters along with persistent heavy rains had pushed the water level to 5.29 metres at the Mission gauge on Monday. That measurement had dropped to 5.27 metres by Wednesday morning, according to Mission’s emergency preparedness coordinator Ian Fitzpatrick.
When water levels reach six metres the district’s emergency preparedness plan kicks in, which includes daily dike patrols and consultation with riverside businesses, he said.
“We haven’t had a significant heat spell. We’ve had heavy rain at times and that’s what’s really causing the river to go up and down like it is right now.”
Fitzpatrick stressed there isn’t reason to be concerned, especially since Mission gets about a four-day advanced warning of conditions by being downstream.
Fitzpatrick was expected to take a teleconference call with the province Wednesday after The Record’s press deadline.