Tiger dam built along Trans Canada Highway to stop flooding in Abbotsford

Canadian military and work crews scramble to build a tiger dam on Highway 1 in Abbotsford (BC Transporation/Twitter)

Canadian military and work crews scrambled on Sunday night to build a tiger dam on Highway 1 in Abbotsford, in order to prevent floodwaters from moving along the roadway.

Over the weekend, another storm battered the south coast of British Columbia. By Sunday afternoon, Whatcom County, which borders BC in the United States, reported that the Nooksack River flooded as expected.

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Shortly after the announcement, Highway 1 shut down between Abbotsford and Chilliwack.

HIGHWAY 1 IS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC. This includes emergency, essential and construction vehicles. A dam is currently being built and no access will be possible.

— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 29, 2021

By Sunday evening, members of the Canadian military, Shxwowhamel Ventures, the Abbotsford Police Department, and RCMP worked to construct a tiger dam to prevent further flooding.

Tiger dams are giant tubes of water that are set up to create a large barrier, similar to sandbags. They are typically over a metre tall and are flexible in terms of the shape or perimeter that they create.

Multiple photos and videos were shared by police and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, showing the work that was being done.

“The Canadian Military and work crews are tirelessly working right now to put tiger dams on Highway 1 and in the Sumas Flats with the water approaching from the Nooksack River,” said the Abbotsford Police Department in a Facebook video.

Images shared by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on Twitter also detail just how many individuals worked to build the dam in a timely manner.

We're working with Canadian military, Shxwowhamel Ventures, @AbbyPoliceDept and @BCRCMP tonight to set up tiger dams on #BChwy1 in #Abbotsford to hold back Sumas River flood waters.
These water-filled tubes create a barrier that works to address the #BCflood. pic.twitter.com/BYswBNP26t

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 29, 2021

Another look at the tiger dam we're setting up tonight on #BChwy1 in #Abbotsford to hold back Sumas River floodwaters. Working in collaboration with the Canadian military, Shxwowhamel Ventures, @AbbyPoliceDept @BCRCMP to create a barrier that works to address the #BCflood. pic.twitter.com/pG3e2EUTJV

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 29, 2021

Coming together…
Tiger dams being set up tonight on #BChwy1 in #Abbotsford to hold back Sumas River floodwaters. Working in collaboration with the Canadian military, Shxwowhamel Ventures, @AbbyPoliceDept @BCRCMP to create a barrier that works to address the #BCflood. pic.twitter.com/r5cqSBuaWu

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 29, 2021

Abbotsford Fire trucks pumping water into the tiger dams.
Crews are working to set them up tonight on #BChwy1 in #Abbotsford to hold back Sumas River floodwaters. Working in collaboration with the Canadian military, Shxwowhamel Ventures, @AbbyPoliceDept @BCRCMP. #BCstorm pic.twitter.com/LqkAB2mz9m

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 29, 2021

Thanks to all the crews that are out on Highway 1 @ Cole Road this hour getting this extra protection ready. We can’t thank you enough pic.twitter.com/ycZxEUqTKR

— Cst.Paul Walker (@Cst_WalkerAPD) November 29, 2021

Thank YOU!!!
Amazing work tonight as our crews, @City_Abbotsford Fire Dept, @AbbyPoliceDept @BCRCMP Canadian military, and Shxwowhamel Ventures worked to set tiger dams up tonight on #BChwy1 in #Abbotsford to hold back Sumas River floodwaters. #BCstorm #BCflood pic.twitter.com/HN6KK2hzGc

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 29, 2021

A special weather statement remains in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Between 50 to 100 mm of precipitation is expected over the region over the coming days, as the south coast faces its third atmospheric river in less than a week.

With files from Zoe Demarco and Sarah Anderson.