Campers rescued after Squamish Valley Road floods

With the significant rainfall over the last week, Squamish Valley Road washed out, trapping campers on the other side Feb. 1.

From Thursday, Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, Squamish received 166mm of rain, 61mm fell on Saturday alone, according to Environment Canada.

Squamish Search and Rescue report that members were called out to bring a few campers across the Upper Squamish washout and back to town.

"Lucky for them, they had told someone where they were going and authorities were contacted when they never returned home," reads SAR's Instagram post.

An aerial scan of the area showed no further campers were stranded, the post continues.

 

 

 

 

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Yesterday’s heavy rainfall made the local rivers rise quite significantly. We often see the Squamish valley road get washed out and people sometimes get stranded on the other side. Today the team was called out to help evacuate a few stranded campers and bring them safely back to town. Lucky for them, they had told someone where they were going and authorities were contacted when they never returned home. After another quick flight up the valley, no other vehicles were spotted and everyone returned home safely. It is not uncommon for this specific road to get washed out during heavy rainfalls. If you find yourself traveling up that way- please remember that there is no cell coverage and that a backup communication device might come in handy. . . #knowbeforeyougo #searchandrescue

A post shared by Squamish Search and Rescue (@ssarteam) on Feb 1, 2020 at 9:42pm PST

Volunteers with Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue-Station 4 Squamish were also involved in a rescue due to the storm this weekend. 

At 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, Feb. 1, members set out to rescue someone aboard a vessel in Howe Sound. The boater had worked through the night to keep separated a couple of vessels anchored near to each other. The boater requested assistance in the morning after damage to their boat.

Four marine rescue volunteers navigated through many debris hazards on the way out to the scene, according to a Facebook post from Station 4 Squamish."The stricken vessel was dewatered and the vessel's master whisked away to safety," reads the post. 

The District of Squamish works crew has been kept busy due to the rainfall as well.

Crews ask the public to avoid the Mamquam gravel road to Ring Creek.

"The area is being assessed and there is more potential for slides such as this one pictured. We urge people to stay away from this area. 'Road Closed' signage is in place," reads a District Facebook post.

According to Environment Canada, there is a  40% chance of wet flurries Sunday.

Monday is expected to be sunny, but snow and more rain is forecast for the rest of the week.

*Please note, since it was first posted, this story has been updated to include the marine rescue.