Flood conditions ease in parts of Abbotsford, but officials warn situation remains fragile as rain returns

The latest atmospheric river in B.C.’s Lower Mainland has raised new flooding fears in the Fraser Valley, and prompted some proactive highway closures.

Floodwaters have begun to recede in parts of Abbotsford and the eastern Fraser Valley, allowing hundreds of residents to return home over the weekend.

However, provincial and local officials warn the situation remains fragile as rain falls again Monday, with flood warnings still in effect and multiple factors that could quickly reverse recent progress.

Highway 1 is currently open between Abbotsford and Chilliwack, evacuation orders have been downgraded in some areas, and damage assessments are underway—but authorities stress that saturated ground, ongoing river warnings, and uncertainty around rainfall and snowmelt mean the region is not yet out of danger.

Evacuation orders downgraded, but hundreds of properties remain at risk

The City of Abbotsford says evacuation orders have been downgraded to evacuation alerts for 248 properties in the Sumas Prairie. Those properties remain on alert due to an ongoing flood warning for the Sumas River and the expectation of additional rainfall.

As of the latest update, 77 properties remain under evacuation order and 408 properties are under evacuation alert across Abbotsford. City officials warn residents on alert should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice if river levels rise or dike conditions change.

Officials say road access in the area remains limited, with some properties still only reachable via detours because of lingering closures.

Damage assessments underway as residents cautiously return

As evacuation orders were lifted in parts of Sumas Prairie, City of Abbotsford staff and Canada Task Force 1 conducted Rapid Damage Assessments on homes observed to be impacted by floodwaters.

According to the city:

• 278 homes were assessed as safe for re-entry
• 9 homes were assessed with restricted access
• No homes were assessed as unsafe to enter in the downgraded areas

Officials note the assessments focused only on the exterior structure of homes and did not include interior spaces or additional buildings such as barns or sheds. Residents are being advised to work with their insurers and qualified professionals to assess interior damage and determine next steps.

The city has launched a “Return Home” information page to support residents navigating recovery, including insurance claims, building assessments, and access to supports.

Farmers face ongoing uncertainty as land remains saturated

Provincial officials say while some agricultural conditions improved over the weekend, challenges remain and could worsen with additional rain.

The Ministry of Agriculture confirms some livestock losses, particularly in the poultry sector, as farmers dealt with flooded barns and limited time to relocate animals. Hog relocations are ongoing and being carried out successfully, while the dairy sector is considered stable, though some farms have experienced disruptions to milk pickups due to access challenges.

Officials stress that saturated ground leaves very little room for additional water to drain, increasing the risk that renewed rainfall or snowmelt could quickly flood low-lying farmland again.

Farmers requiring emergency assistance, including livestock relocation, are being urged to contact the AgriService BC emergency line.

Highway 1 open—but closures remain possible

Highway 1 remains open between Abbotsford and Chilliwack, but transportation officials say the corridor is under constant monitoring.

Crews are watching river levels, drainage capacity, bridge clearances, and the risk of debris and rockfall — particularly in areas impacted by earlier flooding. Officials say traffic control and maintenance crews are pre-positioned and prepared to respond quickly if conditions deteriorate.

Drivers are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel and check DriveBC before heading out, as closures or lane reductions could occur with little notice.

Rainfall, snowmelt add complexity to forecast

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a high-impact rainfall warning for the Fraser Valley, with rain expected throughout the day and freezing levels rising significantly.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre says while water levels have decreased in parts of the Sumas Prairie, the area remains vulnerable. Officials say it is difficult to predict how current rainfall will interact with existing floodwaters, saturated soil, and snowpack at higher elevations.

Flood warnings remain in effect for the Sumas and Chilliwack rivers, with flood watches and high streamflow advisories in place across much of the province.

Calls continue for federal involvement

The province says calls for increased federal involvement in flood mitigation efforts are continuing.

Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene has said the Fraser Valley is critical to Canada’s economy and food supply, and that long-term flood mitigation cannot be addressed by the province alone. Provincial officials say applications for federal mitigation funding following the 2021 floods were declined, leaving communities vulnerable to repeat events.

While coordination with Washington State on cross-border river monitoring has improved, officials say meaningful infrastructure investment will be required to reduce long-term flood risk.

Improving—but fragile

Officials emphasize that while recent developments have brought some relief to residents and farmers, the situation remains highly dynamic.

With more rain in the forecast, flood warnings still in place, and multiple variables—including rainfall intensity, snowmelt, and river response—authorities say the coming days will be critical. Residents in flood-prone areas are being urged to stay alert, follow instructions from local governments, and be prepared to act quickly if conditions change.