An atmospheric river has heavily damaged a popular B.C. park, forcing it to close.
On Oct. 19, the weather system brought heavy rainfall causing mudslides and flooding across British Columbia.
At least four people died following the heavy rain — two drivers on Vancouver Island, one teacher in a Coquitlam mudslide, and a man walking near a swollen river.
When the deluge hit north of Maple Ridge, it crumbled road infrastructure leading into Golden Ears Park, images and videos show.
“The parkway sustained significant damage,” stated the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change said in a post to social media.
The public road used to access the park has been gated and blocked just beyond the entrance due to the damage, according to the ministry.
The park's camping and designated day-use parking lots have been temporarily closed. Trails throughout the 555 square kilometre park are being assessed for damage.
“Please use extra caution during this time. While assessments are ongoing, unmarked hazards may exist in the park,” said the ministry.
People are asked to avoid steams, stream banks and steep slopes as they are likely unstable due to the storm.
The ministry said their is currently no timeline for re-opening the road.
