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Hicks Creek

Last updated on March 1, 2024

Image of Hicks creek

Area: Harrison Hot Springs

Sediment removal at Hicks Creek following debris flow events along creek channels. Bank stabilization and hydraulic movement improvements. Project goal is to balance the need to improve creek flow without negatively impacting the current habitat.

The work site is a location along Hicks Creek (Pèps˜Píps) that was impacted by debris flows on two tributaries during the 2021 Atmospheric River event. The Creek is located on the west side of Seabird Island and collects drainage from numerous tributaries on the steep, east-facing slopes of Bear Mountain (Siyó:ylexwe Smá:lt). It eventually joins Maria Slough (Xixewqèyl) and then the Fraser River (Sto:lo) farther south.

Project Details

Total Budget:

$1.5 Million

Projected Completion Date:

  • Phase 2 Completed September 2023
  • Phase 3 Study targeted to be complete by December 2023
  • Phase 3 Construction targeted in 2024

Community & Taskforce Members

Hicks Creek

Images

Overflow path of creek during 2021 ARE event and formation of pond.

Woody debris being removed from debris fan. 

Debris fan complete with silt fence and gravels placed in existing tributary pathway

Risk Evaluation

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Public Health and Safety

The reduced flow capacity in Hicks Creek (Pèps˜Píps) due to aggradation will lead to more frequent overbank flooding and could result in a minor disruption to the agricultural properties adjacent to the Creek.

 

River Capacity

The channel of Hicks Creek (Pèps˜Píps) has less capacity now following the events of Nov. 2021, and that will lead to more frequent overbank flooding of adjacent rural land.

 

Environmental

There is significant exposed sediment and debris left over from the Nov. 2021 events that result in higher than sediment delivery to downstream reaches of Hicks Creek (Pèps˜Píps) and Maria Slough (Xixewqèyl). The excessive sedimentation will result in continued deterioration of habitat value in both waterways every time high flows occur.

 

Infrastructure

There has been no infrastructure impacted by the events in Hicks Creek (Pèps˜Píps).

 

Contact information

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