BC Hydro has safely completed the filling of the Site C reservoir after 11 weeks, raising the water level at the dam site by approximately 43m.
Although the reservoir is now full, BC Hydro has advised the public to stay out of the area for at least a year due to potential hazards. These include ongoing stabilization of the surrounding land, floating vegetation debris, and ice.
Since the start of the reservoir filling, BC Hydro has conducted over 1,000 inspections and collected more than one million instrumentation readings to ensure the dam’s safe operation. Key infrastructure, such as the earthfill dam, powerhouse, spillways, and approach channel, is reportedly performing as expected. Daily slope stability monitoring and weekly visual inspections have indicated that shoreline and slope changes remain within predicted ranges. These monitoring activities will continue for the lifespan of the Site C project.
Cultural monitors from Treaty 8 First Nations have been observing the reservoir filling process since mid-August. Environmental monitoring, including fish and wildlife assessments, will continue as the dam becomes operational.
The first generating unit at Site C is now operational, while testing and commissioning of the second unit are ongoing. The project remains on schedule, with all six generating units expected to be in service by fall 2025.
