Proactive disclosure Print version ![Print version Print version](/web/20061103012320im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_printversion2.gif) ![ÿ](/web/20061103012320im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![ÿ](/web/20061103012320im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![Geological Survey of Canada Geological Survey of Canada](/web/20061103012320im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/gsc_e.jpeg) Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > Priorities > Geological Survey of Canada > Urban Geology
Geomap Vancouver Flood hazard
This map provides a generalized interpretation of hazard based on the distribution of modern flood deposits. Low-lying areas adjacent to rivers and the sea shore are coloured red. These areas are underlain by modern flood and coastal storm deposits. The red zone includes floodplains of the Fraser River and its tributaries, and gently sloping fans at the mouths of the Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Seymour, Capilano rivers. This zone also includes poorly drained areas in the Nicomekl and Serpentine river valleys. Although most of these areas have been dyked to protect people and property, they are still at risk from rare, exceptionally large river floods. Low-lying shorelines exposed to waves and strong winds can also be flooded during exceptional storms if the winds push water inland. Localized flooding can occur at the front of the Fraser delta when a storm or high tide coincides with a Fraser River flood. In both the red and black zones on the map, small streams, which are not shown at this scale, can also overflow their banks. These relatively small floods are triggered by heavy rainstorms.
![Legend Unit 1](/web/20061103012320im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/urbgeo/geomapvan/images/flood_leg_1.gif) | Moderate to High (modern lowland sediments) |
![Legend Unit 2](/web/20061103012320im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/urbgeo/geomapvan/images/flood_leg_2.gif) | Low - except adjacent to small streams (uplands and mountains) |
For more detailed information on flood hazard contact the responsible municipal or regional government or B.C. Environment.
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