Clayburn Creek
Last updated on March 14, 2024Area: Matsqui Prairie
The atmospheric river event caused erosion issues in the area. Sediment flowed downstream into the Matsqui Prairie plain which is next to Clayburn Village and agricultural lands.
Clayburn Creek watershed is 2250 hectares with many tributaries. Clayburn Creek drains through Matsqui Slough into the Fraser River. It is a mountainous watershed with headwater elevations as high as 530 meters. Some areas are steep, exceeding 35% slope.
The upper watershed has active landslides and erosion sites. that the atmospheric river event exacerbated and created new sites. The lower watershed flattens into the Matsqui Prairie lowlands. Sediment accumulates in the creek next to Clayburn Village agricultural lands. There are several sediment traps that need ongoing sediment management.
Projects Details
Total Budget:
$17 Million
Projected Completion Date:
December 2024
February 2024 Open House Materials
Above image: Project Overview
​Above image: Cultural values
​Above image: Post construction and established
​Above image: Project Overview
​Above image: Cultural values
​Above image: Emergency works overview
​Above image: Proposed channel repairs
​Above image: Process timeline
Community & Taskforce Members
- City of Abbotsford
- Sumas First Nation
- Matsqui First Nation
- Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
- Ministry of Forests
- Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
- Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
- Kerr Wood Leidal
- Jakes Construction Ltd.
- Mission Contractors
Videos
Images
Above image: From site tour January 2024
Above image: From site tour January 2024. Completed bank repair.
Above image: Before sediment removal
Above image: Sediment bar
Above image: From site tour January 2024
Above image: From site tour January 2024
Above image: After sediment removal
Above image: Woody Debris to be removed
Risk Evaluation
Public Health and Safety
Erosion at upper Clayburn Creek has affected residential property, trails and pedestrian bridges. Lower Clayburn Creek has limited flood capacity and poses a flood risk to Clayburn Village, agricultural fields and Clayburn Road. Eroded banks could pose a hazard to members of the public who access riparian areas.
River Capacity
Clayburn Creek floods are not governed by freshet but winter storm events. Sediment accumulation could restrict flood conveyance. The creek banks are in poor condition. If they are not repaired, further bank and toe erosion will happen. Which in turn will cause more sediment accumulation that restricts flood conveyance.
Environmental
Damage to the riparian vegetation was noted. Damage to fish habitat is likely but is not expected to be high.
Infrastructure
Two pedestrian bridges in Upper Clayburn Creek have been destroyed and three more have undermined abutments. Slope instabilities and erosion putting a sewer main crossing at risk.
Contact information
sec.info.epd@gov.bc.ca
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