Understanding the risks
The Capilano River is downstream from the Cleveland Dam, which holds one of three drinking water reservoirs for the region. The volume of water and how it navigates the steep, winding curves of the river can make it unsafe.
Without much notice…
- the river can rise more than 5 metres (16 feet) in height at various points along the river
- the amount of water rushing down the river can increase to 413,000 litres/second or higher
- the water can move faster than 21 km/hour
Each year rescue teams are called out to save residents who have been stranded on rocks because of quick-rising river levels.
While the river itself is an ever-changing and powerful force, the Capilano River Regional Park is a unique and beautiful area that is safe for residents and tourists to visit.
Learn more about the
Capilano River Regional Park.