Filling the reservoir

For at least one year after reservoir filling, there will be hazards as the surrounding land stabilizes.

We are monitoring for slope instability and erosion. Hydro's boat launches will be opened when the reservoir is deemed safe for public access and boating.

Hazards on the water

Strong currents: Closer to the dam, there will be strong currents near the approach channel as water is drawn into the underwater intakes of the powerhouse. When the reservoir is deemed safe for public access, boaters should not travel further downstream than the Halfway River boat launch to avoid strong currents, as posted on the boater warning signs. There are no other access points between Halfway River and the dam.

Submerged hazards: With reservoir filling complete, submerged hazards remain along the shoreline, such as shallow water fish habitat which takes the form of logs and boulder piles.

Waves: There may be waves on the reservoir caused by wind or slope instabilities, as sections of shoreline settle into the reservoir. The resulting waves could run up against the opposite shore. Hazards will be greatest during high flows and extreme weather.

Floating wood debris: Vegetation debris including logs, saplings, bushes, and plants will float downstream, to be caught and removed by a debris boom.

Hazards on land

There will be hazards while the land and shoreline stabilizes. This is why all public recreation areas are closed for at least one year after filling. We ask you to use extreme caution when close to shore, particularly when near steep slopes.

There will be erosion and slope instability, with impacts varying in different locations. Steep embankments and slopes are particularly prone to sudden slides, which may trigger waves on the reservoir. Erosion will speed up in some areas, and new slides may occur.

Erosion is more likely to occur after high wind and rainstorms. Please use caution when near the reservoir, look for signs of active erosion and slope movements, and maintain a safe distance from these areas.

Learn more: Site C reservoir safety factsheet PDF • 376 KB

All boat launches along the Site C reservoir are closed until at least spring 2026.

Boaters can access the boat launch at Peace Island Park in Taylor, downstream of the Site C dam.

We strongly advise you to stay off the water and away from the reservoir shoreline until it is deemed safe.

The boat launches in the Dinosaur Reservoir, upstream of the Peace Canyon dam near Hudson's Hope, are open and not affected by the Site C reservoir.

The Peace Island Park boat launch, located downstream of Site C in Taylor, also remains open.

Fishing along the shore or by boat in the Site C reservoir area is strongly discouraged until it's deemed safe. People can instead visit:

• Peace Island Park, located downstream of Site C in Taylor
• Dinosaur Reservoir, upstream of the Peace Canyon dam near Hudson's Hope

The public should not access the reservoir from any access points for at least one year after filling, until the reservoir is deemed safe for public use.

Please call 911 if you see someone in danger on the reservoir. Emergency responders will coordinate with BC Hydro, if needed, in their emergency response.

At Halfway River, there is a lookout point overlooking the Peace River. This lookout remains open and provides a south and west-facing view of the reservoir area.

We're also building new boat launches and recreation areas, which will open when the reservoir is deemed safe for public use, at least one year after reservoir filling.

The new Halfway River and Lynx Creek boat launches will include day use areas with picnic sites. At the bottom of D.A. Thomas Road in Hudson's Hope, a new recreation site will feature a small craft launch, picnic tables, and fire rings.