Clayburn Creek

Last updated on March 14, 2024

Area: Matsqui Prairie

The atmospheric river event caused erosion issues in the area. Sediment flowed downstream into the Matsqui Prairie plain which is next to Clayburn Village and agricultural lands.

Clayburn Creek watershed is 2250 hectares with many tributaries. Clayburn Creek drains through Matsqui Slough into the Fraser River. It is a mountainous watershed with headwater elevations as high as 530 meters. Some areas are steep, exceeding 35% slope.

The upper watershed has active landslides and erosion sites. that the atmospheric river event exacerbated and created new sites. The lower watershed flattens into the Matsqui Prairie lowlands. Sediment accumulates in the creek next to Clayburn Village agricultural lands. There are several sediment traps that need ongoing sediment management.

Projects Details

Total Budget:

$17 Million

Projected Completion Date:

December 2024

February 2024 Open House Materials

Above image: Project Overview

Above image: Cultural values

Above image: Post construction and established

Above image: Project Overview

Above image: Cultural values

Above image: Emergency works overview

Above image: Proposed channel repairs

Above image: Process timeline

Community & Taskforce Members

Clayburn Creek Map

Videos

Time lapse construction

Learn about bank construction

Images

Above image: From site tour January 2024

Above image: From site tour January 2024. Completed bank repair.

Above image: Before sediment removal

Above image: Sediment bar

Above image: From site tour January 2024

Above image: After sediment removal

Above image: Woody Debris to be removed

Risk Evaluation

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Public Health and Safety

Erosion at upper Clayburn Creek has affected residential property, trails and pedestrian bridges. Lower Clayburn Creek has limited flood capacity and poses a flood risk to Clayburn Village, agricultural fields and Clayburn Road. Eroded banks could pose a hazard to members of the public who access riparian areas.

River Capacity

Clayburn Creek floods are not governed by freshet but winter storm events. Sediment accumulation could restrict flood conveyance. The creek banks are in poor condition. If they are not repaired, further bank and toe erosion will happen. Which in turn will cause more sediment accumulation that restricts flood conveyance.

Environmental

Damage to the riparian vegetation was noted. Damage to fish habitat is likely but is not expected to be high.

Infrastructure

Two pedestrian bridges in Upper Clayburn Creek have been destroyed and three more have undermined abutments. Slope instabilities and erosion putting a sewer main crossing at risk.

Contact information

Information Officer
sec.info.epd@gov.bc.ca

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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