Human error likely caused Cleveland Dam's deadly accidental opening

Metro Vancouver says human error is likely the reason why the Cleveland Dam opened unexpectedly on October 1, releasing a torrent of water that killed two people.

The federation of municipalities that oversees the dam released initial findings on Thursday from its investigation into what happened. Commissioner Jerry Dobrovolny wrote that human error was the “clearest contributing factor” to the deadly incident.

“Metro Vancouver takes responsibility for this mistake and our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by the tragic loss of life,” he said.

The rush of water swept away several anglers fishing below, and one of them was pulled from the river unresponsive. That man’s son was also swept away and is presumed dead, although his body has not yet been found.

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The dam’s gate opened erroneously while Metro Vancouver workers were doing regular maintenance that afternoon. The mistake likely occurred when someone was programming the control system for the dam’s spillway gate, Dobrovolny added.

Back in 2002, the dam’s gate was upgraded from a mechanical opening and closing system to a fully automated one.

“Metro Vancouver is committed to ensuring that this type of event never happens again,” Dobrovolny said.

Staff are exploring the possibility of installing a public warning system in case of future dam malfunctions and increasing dam monitoring downstream on the Capilano River.

Metro Vancouver will be lowering the dam’s spillway gate to the open position for the winter, allowing water to flow freely, thereby preventing another surprise opening.

The dam traps water in the Capilano Reservoir, which provides drinking water for Metro Vancouver. During winter when the climate is fairly wet, water levels in the reservoir are usually high enough.