Landslide Dams Canadian River, Endangered Fish Trapped in BC

A significant landslide occurred on July 30 near Farwell Canyon, blocking the Chilcotin River in British Columbia. This landslide, which dumped approximately 640 million cubic feet of debris, has left a stretch of the river almost completely dry, prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents due to the risk of flash flooding from potential dam failure. The blockage is located about 14 miles upstream from where the Chilcotin River meets the Fraser River. The landslide has dire implications for the local ecosystem, particularly for the endangered sockeye salmon population. Many fish were likely downstream when the landslide happened, and those that were trapped in the now-dry section of the river may have perished. Survivors face significant challenges in reaching their spawning grounds at Taseko Lake, located 45 miles upstream from the obstruction. In addition to the immediate threat to fish populations, the landslide has altered the water quality of both the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers. Satellite images indicate that sediment has increased, turning the water yellow-brown, which could further impact freshwater species downstream. This change in water quality, while temporary, poses additional risks to the aquatic ecosystem. This incident is not unprecedented, as the Chilcotin River has experienced landslides before. However, the scale of this blockage is one of the most significant in recent history, raising concerns about the long-term effects on both the environment and local communities.