B.C. First Nations say Chilcotin River landslide, flood hit heritage sites, salmon
First Nations in British Columbia's central Interior are measuring the impacts of a massive landslide that blocked the Chilcotin River for days, followed by a subsequent torrent of water that sent trees and debris downstream.
The Williams Lake First Nation says village sites that date back 4,000 years were swept away as the Chilcotin River carved away riverbanks, while the Tsilhqot'in National Government says critical salmon migration routes are seriously damaged and the threat of more slides exists.
The landslide south of Williams Lake that dammed the Chilcotin River last week broke free on Monday, sending raging water, trees and debris downstream to the Fraser River, which flows through the Lower Mainland to Georgia Strait.
Two heritage sites located along the banks of the Chilcotin River near the Farwell Canyon Bridge and a third site downstream at the confluence of the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers sustained extensive damage, the Williams Lake First Nation said in a statement Thursday.
"We are grateful that the landslide release has not caused catastrophic damage, but we are deeply saddened by the potential loss of irreplaceable Secwepemc history," said the statement.
The statement was released following an aerial tour of the landslide and flood area by Williams Lake Chief Willie Sellars.
"We remain hopeful that once the situation stabilizes, valuable Secwepemc artifacts, stories, and insights will still be uncovered," it said.
B.C.'s Emergency Management Ministry, which has scheduled a news conference Thursday to update the situation, says in a social media post that the flows on the Chilcotin River have now returned to pre-landslide levels and crews are monitoring the area for risk of additional landslides and bank erosion.
Chief Joe Alphonse, the Tsilhqot'in National Government tribal chair, said damage assessments are still underway, but there are now serious concerns about the impact the churning water had on spawning channels for migrating salmon.
With the valuable sockeye salmon run expected to reach the Chilcotin River in the coming days, it appears the landslide and rushing water created difficult new obstacles for the fish on their way to spawning areas, he said in an interview Thursday.
"For salmon passage, it's going to be a little worrisome," said Alphonse.
At the landslide site, Alphonse said there's a pinch point where migrating salmon will have to get through to continue their journey, he said.
"It's not completely blocked," Alphonse said. "It's probably a four- or five-foot jump they'll have to get through. The amount of pressure shooting through there and the elevation is pretty steep."
Earlier this week, the Tsilhqot'in launched an emergency salmon task force to call on all levels of government, including U.S. states, to take measures to preserve the sockeye and chinook stocks.
Alphonse called on the Fisheries Department earlier this week to introduce "automatic" sport and commercial fishing restrictions to protect Chilcotin River and Chilko Lake salmon.
The Fisheries Department said in a statement Tuesday that based on historical timing, it believes the majority of adult chinook salmon returning to the Chilcotin River this season migrated past the slide site before last week's landslide.
It also said the majority of adult sockeye salmon are expected to arrive at the confluence of the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers around the third week in August, and coho not until the early fall.
The Fisheries Department was not immediately available Thursday for comment on the salmon runs.
Alphonse said it also appears much of the Chilcotin's riverbank area at the Farwell Canyon remains unstable and heavy rains could trigger another landslide.
Downstream communities along the Fraser River at Lillooet, Lytton and Boston Bar reported higher water levels similar to those of spring runoff after the water released, along with the presence of logs and debris.
There have been no reports of flooding.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 8, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Heavy snow, freezing rain warnings hit parts of Canada, expected to last throughout Monday
Significant snowfall and heavy rain hit parts of Canada on Sunday and the weather system is expected to continue into Monday morning and throughout the day.
BoC expected to lower interest rates again, with odds leaning toward larger cut
Financial markets and forecasters are betting on another jumbo interest rate cut from the Bank of Canada this week.
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 has hit 25 days
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 workers has hit 25 days.
Celebrities spotted at Taylor Swift's final Eras Tour performance in Vancouver
Taylor Swift fans from around the world gathered in Vancouver on Sunday to witness the final performance of her massively popular Eras Tour, including a few celebrities.
Government faces third Tory non-confidence vote ahead of potential fiscal hurdle
The Liberals are set to face a third Conservative non-confidence vote today, but the government is likely to survive with the support of the NDP.
U.S. should be concerned about illegal immigration from Canada: Canadian survey
More than 80 per cent of Canadians believe the flow of illegal immigrants from Canada to the U.S. is a concern, according to a new survey.
Jay-Z denies allegations he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old in 2000 with Sean 'Diddy' Combs
A woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Sean 'Diddy' Combs has amended her lawsuit to include allegations that she was also assaulted by Jay-Z at the same party.
Taylor Swift ends record-smashing Eras Tour in Vancouver, after glittering global run
Taylor Swift took the stage for the final time on her record-smashing Eras Tour, watched by tens of thousands of delirious fans in Vancouver's BC Place arena and by millions on livestreams around the world.
Syrian prime minister says government is still functioning but foreign and domestic challenges loom
Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers are still working from offices in Damascus after rebels entered the capital over the weekend and overthrew President Bashar Assad. Streams of refugees crossed in from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future.