The Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the BC Government are both “very concerned” after a significant rock slide in the Fraser Canyon near Big Bar, north of Lillooet.

The rock slide created a 5 metre waterfall, raising concerns about whether salmon migrating upstream will be able to reach their spawning grounds.

Both agencies are surveying the site to determine what the next steps will be, and to see if anything can be done to help salmon pass through the river.

“A number of overflights have already been conducted and drones deployed to allow us to survey the site,” both agencies said in a release. “We will continue to coordinate efforts and determine next steps alongside local First Nations, communities and stakeholders. Ongoing efforts will be supported by engineers, habitat experts, and hydrologists as we seek to identify the extent of the blockage and stability of the slope.”

Both agencies say they will also see what – if anything – can be done to help salmon pass through the river.

“The next steps will take into account the complexities of rapid flow conditions, migrating stocks and accessibility to the site,” the release stated.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the impact this may have on the different fish stocks and the 50+ First Nations upriver of this slide that rely on salmon for food fisheries.”

DFO communications adviser Lara Sloan previously told Radio NL that the slide happened in an area where the river is narrow and access is limited, and officials weren’t sure if the river was being blocked or not.