Chilcotin River landslide response

Late on July 30, 2024, a significant landslide event occurred in the lower Chilcotin River, approximately 50 km southwest of Williams Lake, BC. The landslide was approximately 1,000 meters in length, 600 metres wide and 30 metres deep, and resulted in a complete blockage of the Chilcotin River channel for 6 days.

On August 5, 2024, water began flowing over the blockage and into the dry channel downstream. The landslide and subsequent water-flow resulted in multiple emergency evacuation orders led by the Province of B.C., which have since been lifted.

Impact on Pacific salmon

The Chilcotin River is a major tributary to the Fraser River and supports populations of Chinook, sockeye and coho salmon as well as steelhead trout. Several of these populations are of conservation concern.

The landslide increased debris, sand and silt which pose barriers to fish migrating upstream in the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers, and continuous erosion is causing river conditions to change daily. The event is expected to negatively impact this year’s returning populations.

We are working closely with First Nations, the Province of British Columbia and other partners to actively monitor and assess the implications of this event on Pacific salmon and their habitat in the area. Experts have been mobilized to the site to assess impacts and develop potential response actions.

Related links

• Tŝilhqot’in National Government communications
• Province of British Columbia's Chilcotin River landslide information portal
• Extreme environmental impacts on Pacific salmon
• Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative