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Blue Creek

Last updated on February 29, 2024

Image from Blue Creek

Area: Chilliwack

There was channel modification and flooding in the Blue Creek area. Sediment is being removed from the creek to re-establish pre-flood conditions. The project is planning to update parts of the area to current codes and standards. 

The Blue Creek watershed is approximately 6 kilometers squared. Approximately 60% of the watershed area is in Washington State. Blue Creek runs down from its headwaters in the Skagit Mountain Range. The creek then crosses the Canada and USA border into farmland. Blue Creek ends at a natural infiltration basin, known as “the Kettle”. There is no channelized outlet, so all creek flow infiltrates into the ground.

Project Details

Total Budget:

  • $6.9 Million

Projected Completion Date:

  • May 2025

Community & Taskforce Members

Blue Creek area map

Images

Bank erosion in Blue Creek during January site tourAbove image: Bank erosion in Blue Creek during January site tour

Erosion in Blue CreekAbove image: Erosion in Blue Creek

Fish salvaged from Kettle Nov. 21, 2023 Above image: Fish salvaged from Kettle November 21, 2023 

Dump Truck dumping sediments removed from Kettle Above image: Dump Truck dumping sediments removed from Kettle 

Image of culvert from January site tourAbove image: Image of culvert from January site tour

Debris collecting at culvertAbove image: Debris collecting at culvert

Sediment removal from Kettle Above image: Sediment removal from Kettle 

Dump Truck on Maple Falls Road removing sediments from Kettle Above image: Dump Truck on Maple Falls Road removing sediments from Kettle 

Risk Evaluation

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Public Health and Safety

Many risks pose a hazard to members of the public who live near the creek.

Risks include:

  • fast flowing water
  • potential flooding due to blocked culverts
  • potential overland flooding from the Kettle
  • unstable eroded banks
  • wood debris flows
 

River Capacity

Blue Creek is not freshet driven, but experiences high flows in the fall/winter seasons. High water may overtop the banks and cut new channels through the surrounding area. Overbank flooding may occur due to sediment deposition within the creek channel. Flooding may also occur if the Maple Falls Road or Kosikar Road culverts were to become blocked. Risks come from the debris and sediment currently in the creek channel and banks.

 

Environmental

Risk of damage to the vegetation and trees could happen due to the increased sediment build up.

 

Infrastructure

The Maple Falls Road is at risk of flooding due to the reduced infiltration capacity of the Kettle. The Kosikar Road culvert could become blocked from upstream debris and sediment. 

 

Contact information

Information Officer
sec.info.epd@gov.bc.ca