In April 2015, a small fire occurred near the Punta del Este viewpoint on the Diez Vistas Trail. Fortunately, the damage was limited, but it was a good reminder of how vulnerable the dry forest, moss, and vegetation around Buntzen Ridge can be.

The photographs and short video below show the burn area shortly after the incident.

The April 2015 Diez Vistas Fire

BC Hydro was notified of a fire on the Diez Vistas Trail on 20 April 2015. After the area was assessed and some rain fell the following day, the trail reopened on 22 April.

I hiked the trail that day to see the area for myself. The fire had occurred near the Punta del Este viewpoint at the east end of Buntzen Ridge. The visible damage appeared to be relatively limited, with moss and low vegetation affected.

Burned moss and vegetation near Punta del Este in April 2015.

Another view of the small burn area on Buntzen Ridge.

Why Fire Is a Serious Risk on Buntzen Ridge

The Diez Vistas Trail passes through forest, moss, dry organic material, and exposed ridge areas that can become very dry during extended periods of warm weather.

Even a small ignition source can become dangerous under the wrong conditions. A cigarette, open flame, or unattended fire can spread into surrounding vegetation, particularly during dry summer weather.

The safest approach is simple: do not smoke, light fires, or use any open flame on the trail.

No Campfires or Open Fires

BC Hydro does not permit open fires at Buntzen Lake. This includes campfires on or near the hiking trails.

Charcoal and briquette barbecues are also prohibited. Propane barbecues are permitted only in appropriate recreation areas when there is no active fire ban, but they are not something you should be carrying onto Diez Vistas or using along the trail.

Smoking Restrictions

Smoking is not permitted throughout the Buntzen Lake recreation area except in designated smoking areas at South Beach and North Beach.

That means smoking is not permitted on Diez Vistas, the Buntzen Lake Loop, Lakeview Trail, or the other hiking trails.

Respect the Area

Fire prevention is only one part of looking after the Buntzen Lake area. Stay on established trails where practical, do not damage vegetation, pack out anything you bring with you, and leave natural and historic features where you find them.

Buntzen Lake receives a lot of visitors, and small actions by many people can have a large cumulative effect on the surrounding forest and trails.

Video of the Burn Area

This short video shows the burn area near Punta del Este and the view toward Eagle Ridge shortly after the trail reopened in April 2015.

If You See a Wildfire

If you see a wildfire or behaviour that could start one, report it as soon as possible by calling 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 from a mobile phone.

For current fire restrictions, wildfire information, and recreation-area notices, check the BC Hydro Buntzen Lake recreation page before heading out.

Buntzen Lake is an active hydroelectric reservoir, and its water level can occasionally rise high enough to affect beaches, shoreline areas, and sections of trail. Most of the time the lake remains within its normal operating range, but periods of unusually high water can temporarily change access around the lake.

The photographs and video below show one particularly noticeable high-water event that I documented in the past. They are historical and do not necessarily represent current conditions.

High Water at Buntzen Lake

During this historical event, the lake rose high enough to flood several low-lying shoreline areas and sections of the trail system. Some portions of the normal lake loop became difficult or impossible to use, while higher trails remained accessible.

High water at Buntzen Lake.

At the time, one alternative to the flooded portions of the regular loop was to use higher ground, including Academy Trail and Pumphouse Road. Another option was to hike the east side of the lake to North Beach and return the same way.

Those routes reflected conditions during this particular event. Trail conditions and closures can be very different during another high-water event, so current BC Hydro information and onsite signage should always take priority.

Why Can Buntzen Lake Water Levels Change?

Buntzen Lake is not simply a natural recreation lake. It is part of BC Hydro’s Coquitlam-Buntzen hydroelectric system. Water can be diverted from Coquitlam Reservoir through a tunnel beneath Eagle Mountain into Buntzen Lake, and the reservoir is actively managed as part of the hydroelectric system.

Water levels and flows can therefore change in response to reservoir operations, weather, inflows, maintenance, and other operating conditions. BC Hydro warns that sudden changes in water flows can occur near operating structures and the Coquitlam Lake tunnel outfall.

Video of the historic High-Water Event

This short video shows some of the flooding around Buntzen Lake and the strong flow of water entering the lake through the tunnel from the Coquitlam Reservoir system.

North Beach During High Water

North Beach is normally a broad shoreline recreation area, but during this event much of the usual beach area was underwater.

North Beach during the historic high-water event.

Another view of the flooded shoreline at North Beach.

South Beach During High Water

South Beach was also noticeably affected. Areas that are normally dry and used for recreation were covered by lake water.

High water at South Beach in April 2015.

Another view of South Beach during the high-water event.

The Former Floating Bridge Area

The old floating bridge area near the south end of Buntzen Lake was another location where the unusually high water was obvious.

The former floating bridge area during the historic high-water event.

High Water and Trail Access

Periods of high water can affect low-lying sections of trail, beaches, and shoreline access. The extent of the impact depends on the lake level and the specific conditions at the time.

Do not assume that a detour used during a previous event will still be appropriate. Trail closures, maintenance work, rockslides, flooding, and other hazards can all change the available routes.

Before heading out, check the current BC Hydro trail closures and safety information. Onsite signs and closures should always be followed.