The November 2021 atmospheric river caused more than 1,300 geohazards to be triggered in southern British Columbia. Many of these geohazards were sourced from watersheds that had experienced previous cumulative damages, such as wildfires, logging, and resource road construction. These geohazards were sources of sediment that entered mainstem rivers and
contributed to flood and bank erosion damages to communities, infrastructure, and ecological systems. The geohazards and associated damages of the November 2021 atmospheric river are examples of cumulative watershed issues that Indigenous communities have long expressed concerns about. Watersheds draining into Leq’á:mel First Nation have been heavily logged and frequently produce sediment-laden flooding. During the November 2021 atmospheric river, Leq’á:mel experienced damages to critical ecological habitat, community infrastructure, and critical facilities. As we learn from the November 2021 atmospheric river and apply these learnings to resilient community planning, geotechnical practitioners can benefit from integrating Indigenous knowledge about geohazards and watershed management practices.