Power Outage Update
Update: 6:00 AM January 4, 2020
Power is currently restored in Hagensborg but downtown Bella Coola remains without power. As of 6am January 4, an estimated 309 customers are impacted. Fireplaces, woodstoves, barbecues and camp stoves can be used for emergency cooking. Please DO NOT use barbecues or campstoves indoors due to the high risk of carbon monoxide build-up and fire hazard. Please see General Information below for further tips on preparing for power outages.
Notice from BC Hydro yesterday: several broken poles in the community of Bella Coola have caused an outage to 1,200 customers. BC Hydro is working to have additional line crews brought into the area, along with vegetation crews but access is difficult due to heavy snow and road closures. BC Hydro is hoping to have power restored by 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 4. Please continue to check bchydro.com/outages for the latest information as it becomes available.
DriveBC Update
Update: 6:00 AM January 4, 2020
Highway 20 Road Closure. High avalanche hazard between Hunlen Falls Turner Lakes Trailhead and Rainbow Range Trailhead for 19.7 km (34 km east of Firvale to 38 km west of Anahim Lake). Road closed. Estimated time of opening not available. Next update time Sat Jan 4 at 7:00 AM PST.
Highway 20, in both directions. Travel advisory in effect between Rainbow Range Trailhead and Stum Lake Rd for 245.6 km (Alexis Creek to 38 km west of Anahim Lake). Freezing rain. Compact snow. Travel is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
Highway 20. Slushy sections between N Bentinck FSR and Gross Rd for 19.6 km (Bella Coola).
Highway 20. Compact snow between Olsen Dr and Rainbow Range Trailhead for 77.7 km (16 km east of Bella Coola to 39 km west of Anahim Lake). Slushy with slippery sections
Highway 20. Compact snow between Hunlen Falls Turner Lakes Trailhead and Sawmill Creek Rd for 136.7 km (39 km west of Anahim Lake to TatlaLake).
Highway 20. Watch for slippery sections between Graham Lake Access No 2 Rd and Highway 97 for 221.1 km (Tatla Lake to Williams Lake). Compact snow.
High Streamflow Advisory – Central/South Coast
Updated: 11:00 AM January 03, 2020
The River Forecast Centre is maintaining the High Streamflow Advisory for:
· Central Coast including the Bella Coola River, KingcomeRiver and tributaries,
· South Coast including Howe Sound, North Shore, and Metro Vancouver
Note: A high streamflow advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible. This is the lowest level.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), a strong Pacific storm has moved to the BC coast yesterday afternoon and persists for the Central Coast today. A total rainfall amount of 100 to 150 mm is expected for Central Coast today, and less than 100 mm for Howe Sound, Metro Vancouver and North Shore today.
The river systems have been responding to this storm last night and some of the river levels are high now. Based on the forecast amount of rainfall and the current river conditions, the current hydrologic modelling indicates that the river systems in these regions are expected to continue to rise slightly and peak at flows between the 2- and 5-year return periods tonight or on Saturday morning. Floods about the 10-year return period level could also be possible for some of the smaller stream systems.
The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-river-level period.
Alerts for: Central Coast
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
Weather warnings are currently not in effect and have been cancelled.
Emergency Phone Numbers:
RCMP Bella Coola Detachment: 250-799-5363
BC Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
BC Hydro Emergency: 1-888-769-3766
Stay Up to Date:
Weather conditions: https://weather.gc.ca/
BC River Forecast Centre: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
Road Conditions: https://www.drivebc.ca/mobile/events/index.html
Call toll-free 1-800-550-4997 for BC road information 24 hours-a-day
General Information
Driving Safely in Severe Weather Conditions
Severe weather - thunderstorms, hail, blizzards, ice storms, high winds or heavy rain - can happen without warning and in any season.
With severe weather often comes a loss of power, so be prepared to be on your own by developing an emergency plan, putting together your emergency kit and connecting with your neighbours.
Home Preparedness Checklist for Power Outages
• Have a battery-operated radio.
o This allows you to listen to your local station for warnings, advice and instructions.
• Stow flashlights with extra batteries.
• Inspect your chimney or flue.
o This helps prevent structural fires and ensures smoke, carbon monoxide and other potentially harmful gases are properly vented.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of food and water
o BCHydro suggests that if the power is out for less than four hours, the food in your fridge and freezer will be safe to consume.
o If the power is out for longer than four hours, follow BCHydro’sguidelines on making your food supply last as long as possible.
o Fireplaces, woodstoves, barbecues and camp stoves can be used for emergency cooking. DO NOT use barbecues or campstoves indoors due to the high risk of carbon monoxide build-up.
Tips For Driving in Ice or Snow
• Slow down. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so take it slow and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Keep windows clear. Visibility is crucial, especially in bad weather. Turn on the lights and wipers and crank up the defroster, if necessary. Scrape the ice off of your windows before you leave to ensure proper visibility. Also make sure that all items are removed from the back window area. If you're still having trouble seeing, carefully pull over to a safe location well off the roadway.
• Brake cautiously. Abrupt braking can cause lock-up and loss of steering control. If you have anti-lock brakes, apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal.
• Resist the urge to "floor it." If you get stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and accelerate slowly. Avoid spinning the tires. Use sand or blocks under the drive wheels.
Tips For Driving in Rain
• Turn on wipers. Yes, it's obvious, but remember to keep them maintained. A beam wiper blade will provide more uniform contact with the glass in the rain. Wipers should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimal performance.
• Use headlights. Visibility is usually compromised in rainy conditions. Headlights can help. All states have laws requiring the use of headlights in low visibility, and many states require headlights when wipers are in use.
• Keep windows clear. The defroster or air conditioner may help keep windows and mirrors clear.
• Be patient. Take it slower than normal. Leave more room when stopping. Wet pavement may cause loss of traction and lead to sliding or hydroplaning.
• Go around. Never cross a flooded roadway, because it's tough to tell how deep the water is. Take the time to find an alternate route. The last thing you want is to get caught in a flash flood.
• Turn off cruise control. When roads are wet it is best to allow the driver to control speed and react to conditions.
Vehicle Preparedness Checklist for Severe Weather
Shift into winter every year with DriveBC's Prepare Your Vehicle checklist and make sure you’re ready for bad weather while on the road. Preparing your vehicle includes packing a winter survival kit. Recommended items include:
• Emergency kit containing non-perishable food, blankets and first aid supplies
• Windshield scraper and snow brush
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• Spare tire, wheel wrench and jack
• Shovel and traction mat, sand or kitty litter
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery jumper cables
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Flares and matches or lighter
• Fuel line antifreeze
• Tire chains and glove
What Supplies Does my Emergency Kit Need?
Put your supplies in one or two containers, such as plastic bins or duffel bags. Store them in an area of your home that’s easy to get to, such as a hall closet, spare room or garage.
Make sure you have an adequate supply of food and water.
BCHydro suggests that if the power is out for less than four hours, the food in your fridge and freezer will be safe to consume. If the power is out for longer than four hours, follow BCHydro’s guidelines on making your food supply last as long as possible. Fireplaces, wood stoves, barbecues and camp stoves can be used for emergency cooking. DO NOT use barbecues or camp stoves indoors due to the high risk of carbon monoxide build-up.