Fraser Valley
Fraser Valley | |
---|---|
Landsat image of Fraser Valley. Sediment deposited by the Fraser River is clearly visible to the west. | |
Coordinates: 49°06′30″N 122°17′30″W / 49.10833°N 122.29167°W | |
Location | British Columbia, Canada |
Part of | Fraser Lowland |
Formed by | Fraser River |
The Fraser Valley is a
In casual usage it typically describes the Fraser River
Administratively, the Fraser Valley comprises parts of the
.History
This section of the Fraser River is known by local indigenous peoples as "Sto:lo" in the
The Indigenous people were not consulted in the
The interaction of indigenous peoples and settlers lead to the growth of
Geography
After descending through the rapids of the
During the last ice age, the area that would become the Fraser Valley was covered by a sheet of ice, walled in by the surrounding mountains. As the ice receded, land that had been covered by glaciers became covered by water instead, then slowly rose above the water, forming the basin that exists today. The valley is the largest landform of the Lower Mainland ecoregion, with its delta considered to begin in the area of Agassiz and Chilliwack, although stretches of floodplain flank the mountainsides between there and Hope.
Several of the Fraser's lower tributaries have floodplains of their own, shared in common with the Fraser freshet. Of varying size these include the
Oxbow lakes and side-sloughs are a common feature of the Lower Fraser's geography. The two main oxbows are those of Hatzic Lake and the Stave River on opposite sides of Mission, although that of the Stave has been silted in and part of it drained for a man-made lake. Around
Climate
In winter, the Fraser Valley occasionally plays a significant role in the weather regime along the west coast of North America as far south as
Western Fraser Valley
Climate data for Western Fraser Valley ( Maple Ridge Kanaka Creek) (1981–2010)
| |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 14.5 (58.1) |
20.0 (68.0) |
25.5 (77.9) |
29.5 (85.1) |
31.0 (87.8) |
34.0 (93.2) |
36.5 (97.7) |
34.5 (94.1) |
35.5 (95.9) |
27.5 (81.5) |
16.0 (60.8) |
13.5 (56.3) |
36.5 (97.7) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 5.0 (41.0) |
7.8 (46.0) |
10.9 (51.6) |
14.9 (58.8) |
17.9 (64.2) |
20.5 (68.9) |
23.8 (74.8) |
24.1 (75.4) |
21.1 (70.0) |
14.1 (57.4) |
8.1 (46.6) |
4.6 (40.3) |
14.4 (57.9) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 2.5 (36.5) |
4.0 (39.2) |
6.5 (43.7) |
9.6 (49.3) |
12.5 (54.5) |
15.2 (59.4) |
17.7 (63.9) |
17.8 (64.0) |
15.0 (59.0) |
10.0 (50.0) |
5.4 (41.7) |
2.4 (36.3) |
9.9 (49.8) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 0.0 (32.0) |
0.1 (32.2) |
1.9 (35.4) |
4.3 (39.7) |
7.1 (44.8) |
9.9 (49.8) |
11.7 (53.1) |
11.6 (52.9) |
8.9 (48.0) |
5.9 (42.6) |
2.8 (37.0) |
0.2 (32.4) |
5.4 (41.7) |
Record low °C (°F) | −17 (1) |
−13.5 (7.7) |
−9 (16) |
−2.5 (27.5) |
−1 (30) |
2.5 (36.5) |
5.0 (41.0) |
5.0 (41.0) |
1.0 (33.8) |
−6 (21) |
−13 (9) |
−17.5 (0.5) |
−17.5 (0.5) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 275.8 (10.86) |
146.1 (5.75) |
174.3 (6.86) |
144.1 (5.67) |
132.5 (5.22) |
90.0 (3.54) |
59.4 (2.34) |
63.3 (2.49) |
82.5 (3.25) |
189.0 (7.44) |
308.2 (12.13) |
236.7 (9.32) |
1,901.9 (74.88) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 252.4 (9.94) |
138.2 (5.44) |
167.9 (6.61) |
144.0 (5.67) |
132.4 (5.21) |
90.0 (3.54) |
59.4 (2.34) |
63.3 (2.49) |
82.5 (3.25) |
188.9 (7.44) |
301.8 (11.88) |
218.6 (8.61) |
1,839.4 (72.42) |
Average snowfall cm (inches) | 11.1 (4.4) |
23.4 (9.2) |
6.4 (2.5) |
0.1 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.0) |
6.4 (2.5) |
18.1 (7.1) |
62.5 (24.6) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 21.0 | 15.4 | 20.0 | 17.7 | 16.0 | 13.4 | 9.0 | 8.1 | 9.1 | 16.8 | 21.3 | 20.5 | 188.1 |
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 19.9 | 14.6 | 19.4 | 17.7 | 16.0 | 13.4 | 9.0 | 8.1 | 9.1 | 16.8 | 20.9 | 19.1 | 184 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 4.1 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.05 | 1.3 | 3.6 | 12.75 |
Source: Environment Canada[2]
|
Climate data for Western Fraser Valley (Langley) (1971–2000) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 15 (59) |
18.5 (65.3) |
20 (68) |
24.4 (75.9) |
34 (93) |
40.0 (104.0) |
35.6 (96.1) |
36.1 (97.0) |
33.3 (91.9) |
27.5 (81.5) |
19 (66) |
16.1 (61.0) |
40.0 (104.0) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 5 (41) |
7.6 (45.7) |
10.5 (50.9) |
13.3 (55.9) |
16.8 (62.2) |
19.3 (66.7) |
22.6 (72.7) |
22.8 (73.0) |
19.6 (67.3) |
14.1 (57.4) |
8.1 (46.6) |
5.3 (41.5) |
13.8 (56.7) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 2.2 (36.0) |
4.4 (39.9) |
6.3 (43.3) |
8.6 (47.5) |
11.8 (53.2) |
14.2 (57.6) |
16.7 (62.1) |
17.0 (62.6) |
14.2 (57.6) |
9.8 (49.6) |
5.1 (41.2) |
2.7 (36.9) |
9.4 (49.0) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −0.6 (30.9) |
1.2 (34.2) |
2.2 (36.0) |
3.8 (38.8) |
6.7 (44.1) |
9.2 (48.6) |
10.8 (51.4) |
11.1 (52.0) |
8.8 (47.8) |
5.6 (42.1) |
2.1 (35.8) |
0.1 (32.2) |
5.1 (41.2) |
Record low °C (°F) | −14 (7) |
−12 (10) |
−8.3 (17.1) |
−2.8 (27.0) |
−0.6 (30.9) |
1.7 (35.1) |
3.9 (39.0) |
3.3 (37.9) |
−1.7 (28.9) |
−7 (19) |
−16 (3) |
−19.4 (−2.9) |
−19.4 (−2.9) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 176 (6.9) |
172.1 (6.78) |
135.2 (5.32) |
102.7 (4.04) |
82.8 (3.26) |
72.9 (2.87) |
52.7 (2.07) |
56.4 (2.22) |
76.4 (3.01) |
141 (5.6) |
207.5 (8.17) |
211.3 (8.32) |
1,486.9 (58.54) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 153.0 (6.02) |
156.4 (6.16) |
131.4 (5.17) |
102.1 (4.02) |
82.8 (3.26) |
72.9 (2.87) |
52.7 (2.07) |
56.4 (2.22) |
76.4 (3.01) |
140.7 (5.54) |
200.8 (7.91) |
193.4 (7.61) |
1,419 (55.86) |
Average snowfall cm (inches) | 23.0 (9.1) |
15.8 (6.2) |
3.8 (1.5) |
0.6 (0.2) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0.3 (0.1) |
6.7 (2.6) |
17.9 (7.0) |
68.1 (26.7) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 17.5 | 17.7 | 17.2 | 15.3 | 14.1 | 12.3 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 11.0 | 15.5 | 19.5 | 18.3 | 174.3 |
Average rainy days | 15.5 | 16.3 | 16.9 | 15.3 | 14.1 | 12.3 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 11.0 | 15.5 | 18.8 | 16.5 | 168.1 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 3.3 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 3.1 | 11.1 |
Source: |
Climate data for Western Fraser Valley Abbotsford International Airport (1981–2010) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high humidex | 18.8 | 20.0 | 24.8 | 31.2 | 39.5 | 49.8 | 46.2 | 43.4 | 40.1 | 31.2 | 21.0 | 18.9 | 49.8 |
Record high °C (°F) | 18.1 (64.6) |
20.6 (69.1) |
24.9 (76.8) |
29.8 (85.6) |
36.0 (96.8) |
42.9 (109.2) |
38.0 (100.4) |
36.3 (97.3) |
37.5 (99.5) |
29.3 (84.7) |
22.4 (72.3) |
18.2 (64.8) |
42.9 (109.2) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 6.7 (44.1) |
9.0 (48.2) |
11.6 (52.9) |
14.7 (58.5) |
18.1 (64.6) |
20.8 (69.4) |
24.0 (75.2) |
24.4 (75.9) |
21.3 (70.3) |
15.0 (59.0) |
9.3 (48.7) |
5.9 (42.6) |
15.1 (59.2) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 3.6 (38.5) |
5.0 (41.0) |
7.2 (45.0) |
9.8 (49.6) |
13.0 (55.4) |
15.7 (60.3) |
18.1 (64.6) |
18.2 (64.8) |
15.3 (59.5) |
10.5 (50.9) |
6.0 (42.8) |
2.9 (37.2) |
10.4 (50.7) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 0.4 (32.7) |
1.1 (34.0) |
2.7 (36.9) |
4.8 (40.6) |
7.8 (46.0) |
10.5 (50.9) |
12.2 (54.0) |
12.0 (53.6) |
9.3 (48.7) |
5.9 (42.6) |
2.7 (36.9) |
−0.1 (31.8) |
5.8 (42.4) |
Record low °C (°F) | −21.1 (−6.0) |
−18.9 (−2.0) |
−12.8 (9.0) |
−4.4 (24.1) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
1.1 (34.0) |
2.2 (36.0) |
3.3 (37.9) |
−1.7 (28.9) |
−7.5 (18.5) |
−16.7 (1.9) |
−20.0 (−4.0) |
−21.1 (−6.0) |
Record low wind chill | −26.6 | −29.6 | −19.7 | −7.3 | −4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | −5.4 | −13.9 | −27.6 | −33.3 | −33.3 |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 211.7 (8.33) |
132.3 (5.21) |
149.3 (5.88) |
117.8 (4.64) |
99.8 (3.93) |
74.8 (2.94) |
43.2 (1.70) |
45.9 (1.81) |
75.5 (2.97) |
152.7 (6.01) |
248.2 (9.77) |
186.6 (7.35) |
1,537.8 (60.54) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 193.6 (7.62) |
123.4 (4.86) |
144.9 (5.70) |
117.1 (4.61) |
99.8 (3.93) |
74.8 (2.94) |
43.2 (1.70) |
45.9 (1.81) |
75.5 (2.97) |
152.7 (6.01) |
241.5 (9.51) |
170.9 (6.73) |
1,483.3 (58.40) |
Average snowfall cm (inches) | 18.5 (7.3) |
8.6 (3.4) |
4.4 (1.7) |
0.5 (0.2) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
6.7 (2.6) |
16.5 (6.5) |
55.2 (21.7) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 20.1 | 16.2 | 19.1 | 16.3 | 14.4 | 13.0 | 7.3 | 7.1 | 9.6 | 15.8 | 20.8 | 19.8 | 179.5 |
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 18.2 | 15.4 | 18.6 | 16.3 | 14.4 | 13.0 | 7.3 | 7.1 | 9.6 | 15.8 | 20.2 | 18.2 | 174.1 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 3.6 | 12.2 |
Average relative humidity (%) (at 3pm)
|
73.3 | 62.9 | 59.9 | 56.0 | 56.5 | 57.1 | 54.5 | 53.2 | 56.4 | 66.1 | 74.3 | 74.5 | 62.1 |
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 68.3 | 99.0 | 131.5 | 171.5 | 208.7 | 213.7 | 276.7 | 263.2 | 201.9 | 122.6 | 64.7 | 64.9 | 1,886.7 |
Percent possible sunshine | 25.2 | 34.6 | 35.7 | 41.8 | 44.1 | 44.2 | 56.7 | 59.1 | 53.3 | 36.5 | 23.4 | 25.2 | 40.0 |
Source: |
Central Fraser Valley
Climate data for Central Fraser Valley (Agassiz) (1981–2010) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 17.2 (63.0) |
21.7 (71.1) |
25.8 (78.4) |
32.2 (90.0) |
36.0 (96.8) |
41.4 (106.5) |
38.3 (100.9) |
39.4 (102.9) |
36.8 (98.2) |
28.3 (82.9) |
21.1 (70.0) |
17.2 (63.0) |
41.4 (106.5) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 6.2 (43.2) |
8.5 (47.3) |
11.6 (52.9) |
15.0 (59.0) |
18.5 (65.3) |
21.1 (70.0) |
24.0 (75.2) |
24.6 (76.3) |
21.3 (70.3) |
15.0 (59.0) |
8.9 (48.0) |
5.8 (42.4) |
15.0 (59.0) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 3.4 (38.1) |
5.1 (41.2) |
7.5 (45.5) |
10.4 (50.7) |
13.6 (56.5) |
16.2 (61.2) |
18.5 (65.3) |
18.7 (65.7) |
15.9 (60.6) |
11.0 (51.8) |
6.1 (43.0) |
3.2 (37.8) |
10.8 (51.4) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 0.5 (32.9) |
1.6 (34.9) |
3.4 (38.1) |
5.6 (42.1) |
8.8 (47.8) |
11.3 (52.3) |
12.8 (55.0) |
12.8 (55.0) |
10.3 (50.5) |
6.9 (44.4) |
3.2 (37.8) |
0.5 (32.9) |
6.5 (43.7) |
Record low °C (°F) | −25.0 (−13.0) |
−24.4 (−11.9) |
−14.4 (6.1) |
−3.9 (25.0) |
−1.1 (30.0) |
1.7 (35.1) |
3.3 (37.9) |
1.7 (35.1) |
−1.1 (30.0) |
−8.5 (16.7) |
−19.0 (−2.2) |
−21.1 (−6.0) |
−25.0 (−13.0) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 240.8 (9.48) |
142.1 (5.59) |
154.7 (6.09) |
125.9 (4.96) |
103.0 (4.06) |
92.2 (3.63) |
66.6 (2.62) |
58.2 (2.29) |
87.6 (3.45) |
191.7 (7.55) |
285.0 (11.22) |
206.1 (8.11) |
1,754.1 (69.06) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 220.8 (8.69) |
131.1 (5.16) |
148.8 (5.86) |
125.5 (4.94) |
103.0 (4.06) |
92.2 (3.63) |
66.6 (2.62) |
58.2 (2.29) |
87.6 (3.45) |
191.6 (7.54) |
275.8 (10.86) |
187.7 (7.39) |
1,688.9 (66.49) |
Average snowfall cm (inches) | 20.3 (8.0) |
12.5 (4.9) |
5.8 (2.3) |
0.4 (0.2) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0.2 (0.1) |
9.2 (3.6) |
19.0 (7.5) |
67.4 (26.6) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 19.2 | 17.3 | 19.9 | 17.8 | 17.1 | 15.0 | 10.4 | 10.1 | 11.7 | 17.1 | 21.3 | 20.0 | 196.9 |
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 16.8 | 15.8 | 19.6 | 17.8 | 17.1 | 15.0 | 10.4 | 10.1 | 11.7 | 17.1 | 20.7 | 18.1 | 190.1 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 4.6 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.07 | 1.3 | 3.9 | 13.87 |
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 57.8 | 85.7 | 127.7 | 163.9 | 194.2 | 195.6 | 255.8 | 242.2 | 196.8 | 122.2 | 60.2 | 53.6 | 1,755.6 |
Source: Environment Canada[9][10][11] |
Climate data for Central Fraser Valley (Chilliwack Airport) (1981–2010) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 18.3 (64.9) |
20.6 (69.1) |
25.8 (78.4) |
32.2 (90.0) |
34.5 (94.1) |
43.7 (110.7) |
38.0 (100.4) |
39.4 (102.9) |
36.5 (97.7) |
27.8 (82.0) |
21.1 (70.0) |
19.0 (66.2) |
43.7 (110.7) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 6.1 (43.0) |
8.8 (47.8) |
11.8 (53.2) |
15.8 (60.4) |
19.1 (66.4) |
21.7 (71.1) |
25.0 (77.0) |
25.3 (77.5) |
22.3 (72.1) |
15.3 (59.5) |
9.3 (48.7) |
6.0 (42.8) |
15.5 (59.9) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 3.3 (37.9) |
4.9 (40.8) |
7.3 (45.1) |
10.5 (50.9) |
13.7 (56.7) |
16.4 (61.5) |
18.8 (65.8) |
18.7 (65.7) |
15.7 (60.3) |
10.8 (51.4) |
6.2 (43.2) |
3.3 (37.9) |
10.8 (51.4) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 0.4 (32.7) |
1.0 (33.8) |
2.8 (37.0) |
5.2 (41.4) |
8.2 (46.8) |
11.0 (51.8) |
12.5 (54.5) |
12.1 (53.8) |
9.1 (48.4) |
6.4 (43.5) |
3.1 (37.6) |
0.5 (32.9) |
6.0 (42.8) |
Record low °C (°F) | −26.7 (−16.1) |
−16.7 (1.9) |
−14.4 (6.1) |
−6.1 (21.0) |
−1.7 (28.9) |
1.1 (34.0) |
3.3 (37.9) |
2.8 (37.0) |
−2.8 (27.0) |
−7.2 (19.0) |
−14.4 (6.1) |
−21.7 (−7.1) |
−26.7 (−16.1) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 233.5 (9.19) |
125.8 (4.95) |
154.7 (6.09) |
116.3 (4.58) |
93.1 (3.67) |
91.7 (3.61) |
48.1 (1.89) |
56.7 (2.23) |
75.2 (2.96) |
178.5 (7.03) |
283.8 (11.17) |
210.1 (8.27) |
1,667.5 (65.65) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 206.9 (8.15) |
114.7 (4.52) |
143.7 (5.66) |
115.2 (4.54) |
93.1 (3.67) |
91.7 (3.61) |
48.1 (1.89) |
56.7 (2.23) |
75.2 (2.96) |
178.4 (7.02) |
272.7 (10.74) |
185.8 (7.31) |
1,582.2 (62.29) |
Average snowfall cm (inches) | 26.6 (10.5) |
11.2 (4.4) |
11.0 (4.3) |
1.1 (0.4) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.0) |
11.2 (4.4) |
24.3 (9.6) |
85.3 (33.6) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 20.6 | 15.9 | 19.7 | 17.5 | 15.8 | 14.6 | 8.7 | 8.5 | 9.9 | 17.1 | 21.5 | 20.1 | 189.9 |
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 18.6 | 14.6 | 19.2 | 17.5 | 15.8 | 14.6 | 8.7 | 8.5 | 9.9 | 17.1 | 20.9 | 18.4 | 183.8 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 5.0 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 2.0 | 4.8 | 16.8 |
Source 1: [12] | |||||||||||||
Source 2: [13] |
Eastern Fraser Valley
Climate data for Eastern Fraser Valley (Laidlaw), 1981–2010 normals | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 14.5 (58.1) |
18.5 (65.3) |
25.0 (77.0) |
30.5 (86.9) |
37.5 (99.5) |
35.0 (95.0) |
38.0 (100.4) |
37.5 (99.5) |
36.5 (97.7) |
28.5 (83.3) |
17.5 (63.5) |
13.5 (56.3) |
38.0 (100.4) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 4.6 (40.3) |
7.5 (45.5) |
11.4 (52.5) |
15.2 (59.4) |
18.5 (65.3) |
21.2 (70.2) |
24.3 (75.7) |
25.0 (77.0) |
21.3 (70.3) |
14.3 (57.7) |
7.7 (45.9) |
4.2 (39.6) |
14.6 (58.3) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 2.2 (36.0) |
4.2 (39.6) |
7.1 (44.8) |
10.2 (50.4) |
13.6 (56.5) |
16.3 (61.3) |
18.8 (65.8) |
19.3 (66.7) |
16.2 (61.2) |
10.7 (51.3) |
5.4 (41.7) |
2.0 (35.6) |
10.5 (50.9) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −0.3 (31.5) |
0.9 (33.6) |
2.8 (37.0) |
5.0 (41.0) |
8.5 (47.3) |
11.1 (52.0) |
13.1 (55.6) |
13.3 (55.9) |
10.8 (51.4) |
6.9 (44.4) |
3.0 (37.4) |
−0.3 (31.5) |
6.2 (43.2) |
Record low °C (°F) | −17.0 (1.4) |
−18.0 (−0.4) |
−8.5 (16.7) |
−1.5 (29.3) |
0.5 (32.9) |
5.0 (41.0) |
7.0 (44.6) |
7.5 (45.5) |
3.0 (37.4) |
−10.0 (14.0) |
−20.5 (−4.9) |
−18.0 (−0.4) |
−20.5 (−4.9) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 287.6 (11.32) |
194.3 (7.65) |
201.2 (7.92) |
166.6 (6.56) |
131.8 (5.19) |
113.8 (4.48) |
84.7 (3.33) |
64.2 (2.53) |
104.7 (4.12) |
229.6 (9.04) |
352.7 (13.89) |
255.8 (10.07) |
2,186.8 (86.09) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 262.6 (10.34) |
177.7 (7.00) |
193.5 (7.62) |
165.8 (6.53) |
131.8 (5.19) |
113.8 (4.48) |
84.7 (3.33) |
64.2 (2.53) |
104.7 (4.12) |
228.9 (9.01) |
344.8 (13.57) |
236.2 (9.30) |
2,108.5 (83.01) |
Average snowfall cm (inches) | 24.9 (9.8) |
16.6 (6.5) |
7.7 (3.0) |
0.8 (0.3) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.6 (0.2) |
7.9 (3.1) |
19.6 (7.7) |
78.2 (30.8) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 20.7 | 16.7 | 19.9 | 18.0 | 17.1 | 14.5 | 10.5 | 8.8 | 11.2 | 17.5 | 21.2 | 18.0 | 194.2 |
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 18.2 | 15.2 | 19.5 | 18.0 | 17.1 | 14.5 | 10.5 | 8.8 | 11.2 | 17.4 | 20.7 | 16.0 | 187.1 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 4.5 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.31 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.15 | 1.5 | 3.9 | 14.26 |
Source: Environment Canada[9]
|
Climate data for Eastern Fraser Valley (Hope Airport), 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1910–present[a] | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 15.0 (59.0) |
19.4 (66.9) |
25.1 (77.2) |
32.2 (90.0) |
38.4 (101.1) |
41.4 (106.5) |
40.6 (105.1) |
39.1 (102.4) |
38.3 (100.9) |
29.0 (84.2) |
18.9 (66.0) |
16.1 (61.0) |
41.4 (106.5) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 4.7 (40.5) |
7.0 (44.6) |
12.1 (53.8) |
15.1 (59.2) |
18.6 (65.5) |
20.9 (69.6) |
23.6 (74.5) |
24.8 (76.6) |
21.4 (70.5) |
14.5 (58.1) |
7.1 (44.8) |
3.5 (38.3) |
14.4 (57.9) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 2.1 (35.8) |
3.6 (38.5) |
7.4 (45.3) |
10.1 (50.2) |
13.5 (56.3) |
16.0 (60.8) |
18.2 (64.8) |
19.0 (66.2) |
15.9 (60.6) |
10.5 (50.9) |
4.6 (40.3) |
1.2 (34.2) |
10.2 (50.4) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −0.4 (31.3) |
0.3 (32.5) |
2.6 (36.7) |
5.0 (41.0) |
8.4 (47.1) |
11.0 (51.8) |
12.8 (55.0) |
13.2 (55.8) |
10.3 (50.5) |
6.4 (43.5) |
2.1 (35.8) |
−1.0 (30.2) |
5.9 (42.6) |
Record low °C (°F) | −25.0 (−13.0) |
−23.3 (−9.9) |
−16.7 (1.9) |
−5.6 (21.9) |
−2.8 (27.0) |
1.1 (34.0) |
3.3 (37.9) |
1.1 (34.0) |
−1.1 (30.0) |
−11.2 (11.8) |
−21.4 (−6.5) |
−24.4 (−11.9) |
−25.0 (−13.0) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 290.5 (11.44) |
201.1 (7.92) |
159.0 (6.26) |
172.8 (6.80) |
112.0 (4.41) |
93.8 (3.69) |
77.8 (3.06) |
49.1 (1.93) |
97.0 (3.82) |
218.6 (8.61) |
352.5 (13.88) |
219.0 (8.62) |
2,043.3 (80.44) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 265.9 (10.47) |
182.1 (7.17) |
154.3 (6.07) |
171.7 (6.76) |
112.0 (4.41) |
93.8 (3.69) |
77.8 (3.06) |
49.1 (1.93) |
97.0 (3.82) |
217.4 (8.56) |
339.0 (13.35) |
195.2 (7.69) |
1,955.2 (76.98) |
Average snowfall cm (inches) | 27.9 (11.0) |
24.9 (9.8) |
5.1 (2.0) |
1.0 (0.4) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
1.3 (0.5) |
14.3 (5.6) |
29.0 (11.4) |
103.5 (40.7) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 18.9 | 15.9 | 17.5 | 18.2 | 16.3 | 13.9 | 10.5 | 8.1 | 10.3 | 15.7 | 21.6 | 17.7 | 184.6 |
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 16.7 | 13.7 | 17.2 | 18.2 | 16.3 | 13.9 | 10.5 | 8.1 | 10.2 | 15.6 | 20.8 | 14.9 | 176.1 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 5.6 | 4.0 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.2 | 2.9 | 6.3 | 20.9 |
Average relative humidity (%)
|
77.1 | 68.0 | 57.2 | 56.5 | 57.6 | 59.4 | 58.5 | 55.0 | 55.7 | 68.8 | 80.2 | 78.0 | 64.3 |
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 13.2 | 56.3 | 114.7 | 144.6 | 185.4 | 194.6 | 236.2 | 251.8 | 188.7 | 96.9 | 19.6 | 4.4 | 1,506.4 |
Percent possible sunshine | 4.9 | 19.8 | 31.2 | 35.2 | 39.1 | 40.1 | 48.2 | 56.4 | 49.7 | 28.9 | 7.1 | 1.7 | 30.2 |
Source: |
- ^ Extreme high and low temperatures in the table below were recorded at Hope from March 1910 to December 1937 and at Hope Airport from January 1938 to present.
Demographics
Fraser Valley Regional District
Canada 2016 Census [17] | Population | % of total population (2016) | |
---|---|---|---|
Visible minority group | Indian | 39,920 | 13.8% |
Chinese |
3,660 | 1.2% | |
Black | 2,495 | 0.9% | |
Filipino |
2,700 | 0.9% | |
Latin American |
2,050 | 0.7% | |
Arab | 505 | 0.2% | |
Southeast Asian | 2,285 | 0.8% | |
West Asian |
355 | 0.1% | |
Korean |
2,135 | 0.7% | |
Japanese | 905 | 0.3% | |
Visible minority, n.i.e. | 405 | 0.1% | |
Multiple visible minorities |
1,110 | 0.4% | |
Total visible minority population | 58,535 | 20.3% | |
European |
202,095 | 70% | |
Aboriginal group |
23,865 | 8.3% | |
Total population | 288,765 | 100% |
According to the 2011 Census, 76.47% of the Fraser Valley regional district in BC have
Mother tongue | Population (2011) | Percentage |
---|---|---|
English | 209,130 | 76.47% |
Punjabi | 27,390 | 10.02% |
German | 9,540 | 3.49% |
Dutch | 3,790 | 1.39% |
French | 2,915 | 1.07% |
Korean | 1,880 | 0.69% |
Spanish | 1,810 | 0.66% |
Tagalog (Filipino) | 950 | 0.35% |
Chinese, n.o.s. | 890 | 0.33% |
Vietnamese | 820 | 0.30% |
Modern land use
Today, the Fraser Valley has a mix of land uses, ranging from the urban and industrial centres of
Agricultural land in the valley – much of it protected by the Agricultural Land Reserve – is intensively farmed: the Fraser Valley brings in over half of British Columbia's annual agricultural revenue, although it makes up a small percentage of the province's total land area.[citation needed]
The Fraser Valley, specifically in Abbotsford, is the northernmost area of rice cultivation in the world.[19]
Air quality
As the valley population grows and traffic increases, air pollution becomes an increasingly important issue; various controversies have risen over the years (most recently over "Sumas 2", a defeated proposal for a power plant just south of the Canadian/USA border) as to whether or not air pollution is a problem, and if it is a problem, how this should be addressed.
Air quality monitoring has improved in recent years and it is now possible to compare BC communities on a variety of measures. Comparative data on four measures—
In certain weather conditions during the summer, prevailing westerly winds blow air pollution from vehicles and from ships in Vancouver harbour east up the triangular delta, trapping it between the Coast Mountains on the north and the Cascades on the southeast. Air quality suffers. This usually occurs during a
Air quality in the Fraser Valley at times exceeds the Canada-Wide Standard (CWS) for ozone (at Hope) and is close to exceeding the CWS for Particulate Matter.[22]
Modern usage of the name
In colloquial usage, "Fraser Valley" usually refers only to that part of the valley beyond the continuously built-up urban area around Vancouver, up to and including Chilliwack and Agassiz, about 80 km east, and abutting the border with
The term "Central Fraser Valley" refers to Mission and Abbotsford and is included within the Lower Fraser Valley. The Upper Fraser Valley means from Chilliwack and Agassiz to Hope. The phrases "Fraser Valley towns" and "Fraser River municipalities" include Delta and Richmond, though the colloquial "in the Valley" means from Surrey and Coquitlam eastwards.
The "Tidal Fraser area" is usually defined as the area of the Fraser from the mouth at the Pacific Ocean to the Mission bridge. Everything in between there is influenced greatly by ocean tides, including the largest tidal lake in North America, Pitt Lake.
Sociology
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|
The south shore of the Central and Upper Fraser Valley is also known colloquially as the "
See also
Notes
- ISBN 978-0-295-98847-4.
- ^ Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010 Station Data – Climate – Environment and Climate Change Canada
- , accessed July 10, 2009
- ^ "Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada". 31 October 2011.
- Environment Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
- Environment Canada. Archived from the originalon 2020-03-13. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
- Environment Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
- ^ "Daily Data Report for June 2021". Environment Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
- ^ a b "Canadian Climate Normals 1981-2010 at station AGASSIZ CDA". Environment Canada. 2013-07-01. Retrieved 2014-01-02.
- ^ "Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada". 31 October 2011.
- ^ "Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada". 31 October 2011.
- ^ "Canadian Climate Normals 1981-2010 Station Data". Environment Canada. 26 May 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
- ^ "Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada". 31 October 2011.
- ^ "Hope A". Environment Canada. Retrieved 1 March 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Hope Little Mountain". Environment Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
- ^ "Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada". 31 October 2011.
- ^ Census Profile, 2016 Census: Fraser Valley, Regional district. Statistics Canada. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
- ^ Census Profile Fraser Valley, RD British Columbia http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CD&Code1=5909&Geo2=PR&Code2=01&Data=Count&SearchText=fraser%20valley&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1
- ^ Tourism Abbotsford (2019) https://tourismabbotsford.ca/abbotsford-rice-paddies-thriving/ Retrieved on: 2020-02-06.
- ^ BC Lung Association (2010)Sixth Annual State of the Air Report Archived 2007-08-11 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on: 2011-01-27.
- ^ Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (November 2006). [www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/reports/pdfs/canada_pm_ozone.pdf Canada Wide Standards for PM and Ozone: Status of Jurisdictional Implementation Planning Activities – British Columbia]. Retrieved on 2011-01-27.
- ^ canada.com
References
- Arnett, T.C. 1976. The Chilliwack Valley Continuum: A Search for a Canadian Land Ethic. Unpublished Master's Thesis, UBC.
- Carlson, K.T. (ed.) 2001. A Stó:lō-Coast Salish Historical Atlas. Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre.
- Carlson, K.T. (ed.) 1996. You Are Asked To Witness: The Stó:lō in Canada's Pacific Coast History. Chilliwack: Stolo Heritage Trust.
- Cherrington, J.A. 1992. The Fraser Valley: A History. Madeira Park, B.C.: Harbour Publishing.
- Cook, D. 1978. Early Settlement in the Chilliwack Valley. Unpublished research paper, UBC.
- Demeritt, D. 1995–96. Visions of Agriculture in British Columbia. BC Studies 108, 29–59.
- Harris, C. 1997. The Resettlement of British Columbia. Vancouver: UBC Press.
- Oliver, J. 2006. A View From the Ground: Understanding the 'Place' of the Fraser Valley in the Changing Contexts of a Colonial World 1792–1918. Unpublished PhD Dissertation, University of Sheffield.
- Ramsey, B. 1975. Five Corners, the story of Chilliwack. Chilliwack: Chilliwack Valley Historical Society.
- Waite, D.E. 1977. The Langley Story illustrated: An Early History of The Municipality of Langley: Don Waite Publishing.
- Wynn, G. & T.R. Oke (eds) 1992. Vancouver and Its Region. Vancouver: UBC Press.