Flood Warning in place for the Boundary
By RDKB
In a media release Monday, the BC River Forecast Centre issued a Flood Warning for the Boundary area of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.
The RDKB Emergency Operations Centre said residents are warned that the river levels have exceeded bank-full or will exceed bank-full imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.
The RDKB said this warning is based on rain that fell in the region May 31 increasing flows in the Kettle River system to 20-year return level by Monday (June 1) afternoon, or a high flood risk for low-lying properties in the region.
“We ask that residents stay current on all information being released on our website and register for our Evacuation Alerting system,” said Mark Stephens, Emergency Operations Centre Director.
“All evacuation alerts will remain in place.”
A total of 18 properties are now on evacuation order affecting about 40 residents in the Grand Forks area and 1137 properties remain on evacuation alert affecting a further 2,275 people across the Boundary.
Environment Canada forecasts daytime temperatures to remain in the low twenties the week of June 1 with little precipitation for the coming days.
Sandbags and sand are currently available for residents in the following locations:
- Midway Public works yard and in between the Midway Arena and Curling Rink
- Christina Lake Fire Hall
- Beaverdell behind the Fire Hall
- Westbridge Hall
- Riverside Centre in Rock Creek
- Grand Forks Arena
- Grand Forks Credit Union
Residents must bring their own tools and equipment (shovels, transportation) and respect a physical distance of two metres (six feet) between workers as they fill sandbags.
Anyone at risk of flooding should stay informed about local freshet conditions, and ensure they have considered plans for moving valuable items, livestock or other items to safe locations if required.
The RDKB including area municipalities warn everyone to stay away from the edges of watercourses and report any erosion or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre at 1-800-663-3456.
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
