Fitzsimmons Creek Debris Barrier Receives CEBC Award of Merit

Kerr Wood Leidal and Gygax Engineering Associates received an Award of Merit for the Fitzsimmons Creek Debris Barrier at the Consulting Engineers of BC’s awards gala on April 24, 2010.

Scenic Whistler, BC is at risk from devastating debris floods on Fitzsimmons Creek. Although a system of flood protection works has been in place in Whistler for many years, numerous engineering reports have recommended additional protection in the form of a debris barrier on Fitzsimmons Creek.

The 8 metre high debris barrier is designed to store 34,000 m³ of debris and withstand an impact equivalent to a 2,800 kilogram boulder slamming into it at 5 metres per second. The structure is British Columbia’s first large-scale debris barrier designed specifically for debris floods, and the design concept for it is thought to be unique in the world.

The residents of Whistler now have peace of mind knowing that the Fitzsimmons Creek debris barrier reduces the community’s vulnerability to a catastrophic debris flood.