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Lions Bay

At Lions Bay, British Columbia there is a large debris flow dam. Because of the steep slopes of the Howe Sound Fjord coupled with high human activity, there is a high risk for debris flows to occur, which can be dangerous and potentially fatal. In 1983 there was a large debris flow on Alberta Creek in Lions Bay, taking out multiple houses and with a few people losing their lives. In response, they built a large debris flow dam and containment structure, including a concrete flume that carries the stream and sediment directly into the sound.

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The point where one of the controlled debris flow channels enters the sound

An artificial debris flow channel

Another point in the channel

Another point in the channel

The main part of the containment structure

Artificial stream bed right below the dam

The flow control gates on the dam

The upper side of the dam

A closeup of the other side

A bit further up the channel

Further Reading

Evans, S.G. & Savigny, K.W.(1994). Landslides in the Vancouver-Fraser Valley-Whistler region. Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 481. p. 251-286.

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Porteau Bluff

The steep sides of the Howe Sound are subject to massive failures that can cripple the Sea to Sky highway infrastructure. On July 29th, 2008, a shear of rock near Porteau Cove failed, barely missing a bus full of passengers. Luckily no one was hurt, but this is an example of the dangers of the steep rocky cliffs along the highway.

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A view of the Porteau Bluff failure

Further Reading

Canada.com."Sea to Sky rock slide doesn't surprise me at all: geologist."

CBC News."Bus dodges massive rock slide on B.C. coastal highway"

CBC News."Rock slide to close Whistler highway for 5 days: minister"

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Furry Creek Golf Course Landslide

There has been a small landslide on a hill on the Furry Creek Golf Course. There is a small landslide retainment structure at the bottom of the slope and a golf maintenance building just next to the bottom of the slide. Access is off-limits to non-golfers.

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View of landslide from the bottom

Closeup of the crown

View from the bottom with small containment structure protecting rich golfers

Not Available

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Shannon Falls

A bedrock waterfall over 300 meters tall. Easy access off the highway with parking and a beautiful place to have lunch and enjoy the waterfall.

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Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls Website: Park Information
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Glacial Polish

This outcrop of rock was polished by the immense glaciers during the last glaciation of the region around 15000 years ago.

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Large outcrop of glacially polished rock

Closer view of the outcrop with car for scale

Not Available

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Columnar Basalt

Up a quarry road is a good example of columnar basalt. Many have toppled to the slope below, but there is still a clear example of basaltic columns on the side of the hill.

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Large wall of columnar basalt

Closeup of basalt

Not Available

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08GA076 STAWAMUS RIVER AT HIGHWAY NO. 99

Drainage Area 52
49.68976 N
123.144722 W
1990-2010 QRC
REG 1990

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CSV Hydrometric Data
Spreadsheet of Daily Data
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08GA048 MAMQUAM RIVER NEAR SQUAMISH

Drainage Area 378
49.731123 N
123.143606 W
1960-1967 HMC
NAT

Not Available

CSV Hydrometric Data
Spreadsheet of Daily Data
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08GA022 SQUAMISH RIVER NEAR BRACKENDAL

Drainage Area 2330
49.794446 N
123.199986 W
1922 - 1926
1955 - 1980
1981 - 1982
1983 - 2010

Not Available

CSV Hydrometric Data
Spreadsheet of Daily Data
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Britannia Beach/Furry Creek Climate Station

Latitude: 49°35'02" N
Longitude: 123°13'25" W
Elevation: 9.00m asl
Climate ID: 1041050
Environment Canada Site for Station

Not Available

Historical Data
Spreadsheet of Monthly Data
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Squamish Climate Station

Latitude: 49°42' N
Longitude: 123°08' W
Elevation:31.10m asl
Climate ID: 1047660
Environment Canada Site for Station

Not Available

Historical Data
Spreadsheet of Monthly Data