Skip to main content

Construction Activities

We're committed to providing Peace region residents, businesses, communities and Indigenous Nations with information about Site C construction activities in a timely manner.

Please sign up for construction updates to make sure you are receiving up-to-date information about the Site C project.

Diverting the Peace River

In October 2020, we diverted the Peace River. This step, which changes the route of a short section of the river during construction, was one of the most important in the construction of Site C. Diverting the river allows us to build the earthfill dam across the main river channel, while keeping the river flowing.

The river is now flowing through two large diversion tunnels, approximately 750 metres long and 11 metres in diameter, which are located on the north bank of the river.

We pumped the remaining water out of the area between two cofferdams, creating a dry area to build the centre of the dam.

Headpond forms during high river flows

During river diversion, water accumulates behind the upstream cofferdam in what is called a headpond. The headpond begins at the dam site and, at times, could extend as far back as 15 kilometres – or approximately up to Cache Creek.

The depth of the headpond changes throughout the year, depending on the flow in the river. On average, water levels in the headpond are several metres higher than the current average river depth.

We expect the headpond to form during winter storms and spring freshet, when water levels are higher. We're able to influence head pond depth, thanks to our two upstream dam facilities.
 

 

 

Past diversion updates

Learn more