During a series of weather events last fall, West Vancouver was hit with high tides, heavy rain and an atmospheric river. The resulting flooding caused burst pipes, flooded roads, and damage to underground parking lots.
The city closed parts of the seawall near Sunset Beach as a precaution, and people were advised to stay off beaches. Photos posted on social media showed flooded grassland and roads.
High Tides
During a king tide, the water level rises so quickly that it floods areas of the coast. A king tide is typically more than one metre higher than normal, and it can be quite dangerous.
Tide patterns in Vancouver are influenced by the shape of the ocean, wind and currents. It is important to understand these factors so that you can make the best decisions when it comes to navigation, boating and other activities that use the sea.
In a recent paper, we used a high-resolution three-dimensional model to investigate the tides in Vancouver Harbour. The model was evaluated against observational current data and tidal elevation data, and it was found to be in good agreement with the observations.
The model showed a strong spatial pattern associated with variations in coastline and topography. It also revealed a tidal asymmetry, which was caused by the interaction of astronomical tides and the residual flows. The model was able to accurately simulate the tidal conditions in Vancouver Harbour, and it was also useful for identifying the underlying dynamic mechanisms that affect tidal flow.
A king tide is a significant event in coastal communities around the world, and it is one of the main causes of flooding during storms. It can be devastating to low-lying areas, and it can cause major damage to infrastructure.
When high tides are combined with heavy rain and snowmelt, it can create a dangerous situation for residents living in areas of West Vancouver. This is because water pools on roads and drives, and it can also lead to flooding in basements if water cannot escape.
According to Environment Canada, the risk of flooding was raised on Sunday and Monday as rain soaked the region. They also posted high streamflow advisories for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and the southern two-thirds of Vancouver Island.
It is not uncommon for floods to occur during high tides in West Vancouver. Despite this, it is important to know when these events occur so you can prepare accordingly.
On Tuesday, the peak of the king tide caused flooding in areas of Southlands, the Fraser River floodplain and Jericho Beach. City crews were on the scene to clean up, and signs were put up in affected areas. The Park Board closed the seawall from Lions Gate Bridge to English Bay and in front of Kits Pool.
Heavy Rain
West Vancouver was soaked by heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday, according to Environment Canada. Alyssa Charbonneau, a meteorologist with the weather service, said a severe thunderstorm hit the city late Monday evening and didn’t move until Wednesday morning.
During the storm, about 80 millimetres of rain fell in the city. Other areas in Metro Vancouver were also soaking up the moisture, including Coquitlam with 77.4 millimetres of rainfall, North Vancouver with 63.8 mm and Vancouver Harbour with 66.6 mm.
The storm was linked to an atmospheric river, a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture that transports water vapor out of the Pacific Ocean. When a frontal system hits British Columbia’s coast, this moisture can travel across the entire region and can cause flooding in many areas.
It also has the potential to erode riverbanks and wash large amounts of sediment into streams and rivers. These sediments can clog creeks and make them overflow quickly.
Flooding can be an issue for homeowners in West Vancouver, especially those who live on waterfront property. Residents can protect themselves from potential floods by ensuring that their gutters are clear and that their downspouts are far enough away from the house. They can also use sandbags to help absorb any excess moisture.
Another way to protect yourself is to monitor local news media for reports on possible flooding. You can also contact your municipality if you see or hear of any flooding.
Aside from the obvious danger of being stranded on your property due to flooding, your home can also be damaged by floodwaters. Damage to your roof and siding can occur, as can your windows. It is a good idea to check with your insurance provider if you think that your home has been affected by floodwaters.
The province has issued a flood watch for most of Vancouver Island, meaning that rivers are expected to rise and may exceed their banks, which can lead to flooding in nearby areas. The watch covers South Vancouver Island, the Englishman River, West Vancouver Island and East Vancouver Island.
The provincial River Forecast Centre is urging people to prepare for the upcoming weather storms, which could include heavy rain and snow. They have issued a high streamflow advisory for the lower mainland, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound and the southern two-thirds of Vancouver Island.
Burst Pipes
When a pipe bursts, it can have serious implications for your home. It can damage your roof system, siding and gutters. It can also lead to water stains on your drywall.
During the wintertime, pipes are more susceptible to bursting because of the chilly weather. This is especially true for older homes with cast-iron pipes. Corrosion in the pipes can trigger clogs and cause them to break down.
This is why it’s important to replace your pipes before they get old and break. Your local plumbers will install new ones to keep you and your family safe.
A common sign of a broken water line is a sudden decrease in pressure. This is because the water line is broken and not supplying your home with as much water.
Another indication of a broken water line is that you’re seeing puddles of water around your home or yard. These are most likely caused by a leak in the underground water line.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, contact your plumber right away. They can come out and fix the problem quickly so you don’t have to worry about it in the future.
The most important thing to do if you notice a leaking pipe is turn off the water supply to your home. This will prevent any more water from causing flooding in your property.
It’s also a good idea to check your water meter to make sure that you’re not using more than you’re paying for. Depending on where you live, your municipal government may charge you for how much you use, so if your meter is reading higher than usual, you might need to call the utility company and ask them to investigate.
You should call a plumber right away if you see sewage backed up in your sewer line. This is a very serious issue and can only be fixed by a certified plumbing expert.
While you wait for your plumbing expert, do a walk-through of your property and look for signs of water damage, such as wet spots or puddles on your driveway and rock walls. These are all signs that you have a burst pipe in your basement or other areas of your home.
Debris
When heavy rains hit the upper slopes of Vancouver’s mountain range, large debris flows can occur. These flows can be extremely hazardous to people and their properties, so it’s important to know what to do if you find yourself in the middle of one.
The City of Vancouver is working on a long-term plan to reduce the amount of debris in West Vancouver and throughout Canada. It’s also implementing programs to help educate people about the risks of debris.
One of the biggest concerns is marine debris. This type of pollution is a huge problem for coastal communities. It can include a wide variety of items, including car batteries, oil and fuel, creosote logs, polystyrene pellets and plastic containers.
Thankfully, there are several organizations that work to reduce the amount of debris in West Vancouver, and even across Canada. These include the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Surfrider Foundation, and the Vancouver Island Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
In addition to these groups, there are a few more things you can do to make sure your property stays safe from debris during storms. These include:
First, you should make sure that your gutters are cleaned regularly. This will ensure that the water flowing off your roof can be directed away from your home instead of pooling in the area around it.
You can do this by manually cleaning out the gutters or you can hire a professional to come in and do it for you. Either way, it’s important to have a ladder that’s tall enough to reach your gutters and a bucket so you can dump the water out into it.
Next, you can try to divert the flow of water by creating a dry spot in your yard. This is an especially good idea if you have a patio or deck. The dry spot will help to direct the water away from your home and prevent it from coming in contact with your siding, drywall or other parts of your home.
You can also avoid flooding by installing a drain. These can be simple to install and will redirect the water away from your house. These are often available for purchase from your local hardware store.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.