Client:
Takla First Nation
Timing:
April 2022 to July 2023
Location:
Takla Nation Territory, British Columbia
Their challenge
Following a high snowpack year that led to higher-than-usual water levels on Takla Lake coupled with an understanding that substantial changes were happening to the watersheds draining to it, Takla Nation wanted to understand how floods could affect the areas they care about. Data in the region is extremely limited, and few studies have been conducted to understand how climate-driven changes in hydrology could affect flooding.
Our solution
Facing significant data limitations, our team used the Geomorphic Flood Area (GFA) methodology to deliver a comprehensive flood hazard assessment across Takla Nation Territory — identifying communities and assets exposed to both frequent and rare flood events. By integrating multi-source datasets to map elements-at-risk and layering in a regional climate change analysis, we built a forward-looking picture of evolving flood risk under changing hydrological conditions.
Our approach was grounded in direct community engagement. A field visit allowed our team to characterize the full spectrum of settlement types across the Territory — from remote single-cabin locations to permanent, higher-density communities — ensuring our analysis was proportionate, targeted, and locally relevant.
Recognizing an opportunity for regional collaboration, we also partnered with a downstream First Nation neighbour, maximizing the value of project resources across both communities. The result: two Nations equipped with actionable flood risk intelligence to drive informed land-use and emergency planning decisions.
The impact speaks for itself — the Takla Nation has since successfully secured funding to advance detailed flood assessments in priority areas identified through our work, a direct testament to the quality and credibility of our findings.
Services
Flood Hazard Assessment and Flood Mapping
Flood Risk Assessment
