INNOVATION September-October 2022

In November 2021, a massive “atmospheric river” struck southern BC, triggering unprecedented runoff and significant landslides that compromised multiple bridges and highways. Five people lost their lives, and many others became stranded or were otherwise impacted by the disaster. Preliminary estimates pegged the cost at more than $7.5 billion. And while the November 2021 disaster had multiple causes (e.g., the weather event, exacerbated by the forest fires triggered by the June 2021 heat dome, and likely climate change), many observers started to examine how to better predict when and how various infrastructure could be monitored for trouble, and possibly provide better warning when built environment items start to show signs of weakness.

The November 2021 flood event damaged portions several highways and bridges in BC, including portions of the Malahat Highway on Vancouver Island. P hoto : M inistry of T ransportation and I nfrastructure ( flickr . com / photos / tranbc )

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