The road between Bamfield and Port Alberni will be closed until late Sunday, Feb. 2, after several washouts along the road.
“There are multiple issues on Bamfield Main as a result of heavy rains,” stated Western Forest Products, which owns and maintains the Bamfield Main Road. “Roadwork is underway. The road is closed until late tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 2).”
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is working to determine whether the Bamfield to Cowichan route is open and safe, spokesperson Heather Zenner said.
A flood warning has been issued for western Vancouver Island. The BC River Forecast Centre said an “atmospheric river” is causing heavy precipitation for Vancouver Island. The weather station at Effingham Island has recorded 300 millimetres of rain on Friday, following 50 mm that fell on Thursday.
On Thursday, Jan. 30, the BC River Forecast Centre issued a high streamflow advisory for much of Vancouver Island. On Friday, this was upgraded to a flood watch for western Vancouver Island, and upgraded again to a flood warning on Saturday morning.
READ MORE: Heavy rainfall could spell flooding for Somass, Stamp Rivers near Port Alberni
A flood warning means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result. On Friday, the River Forecast Centre reported that Sarita River near Bamfield is above a two-year flow and still rising.
As of Saturday morning (Feb. 1), the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) reported that Bamfield Main is closed to traffic due to flooding and slides and is being assessed by Western Forest Products.
The MV Frances Barkley is back in service for those who need transportation to and from the West Coast.
The ACRD has also reported that the Alberni Valley Landfill is temporarily closed due to powerlines down on Landfill Road.
#AlberniValley Landfill is temporarily closed due to powerlines down on Landfill Road.
— Alberni-Clayoquot RD (@ACRDgov) February 1, 2020
#Bamfield. Bamfield Main is closed due to slides. Road is currently being assessed for damage by WFP. Stay tuned for updates. @933thepeak @AlberniNews @cityportalberni @Garacaius https://t.co/Rn9J1uWxoF
— Alberni-Clayoquot RD (@ACRDgov) February 1, 2020
elena.rardon@albernivalleynews.com
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