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RDCK now dealing with aftermath of wide-spread flooding

Regional District of Central Kootenay
By Regional District of Central Kootenay
June 5th, 2020

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to assess the impact and damage that occurred from flooding, heavy rain and strong winds this past weekend across the entire region.

Working with local and provincial authorities, the RDCK is currently prioritizing its action plan to support those most affected.

An Evacuation Alert remains in place for Crawford Creek (Crawford Bay) in electoral Area A, Duhamel Creek (Nelson) in electoral Area F, Broadwater Rd. (Robson) in electoral Area J, Salmo/Ymir in electoral Area G, and the Slocan River drainage region in electoral Areas H and I.

“Although our creeks and rivers are receding we have now entered our rainy season,” said Chris Johnson, RDCK EOC Director.

“With the rivers already swollen from the recent event and with snow still remaining at higher elevations, our watersheds will continue to be vulnerable to any hot weather or additional precipitation, so please stay vigilant.”

The impact of this past weekend’s event includes washed out roads and accesses, erosion of riverbanks and bridge structures, logjams, and culvert blockages.

Wind gusts reached 70-100km per hour and precipitation totaled between 10mm to 50 mm. Rivers and creeks were running at unprecedented levels with many systems reaching historic flows.

“We are still working to understand the full breadth and severity of impacts of the recent event, but it certainly would rank among the most significant the region has experienced over the last 20 years,” said Johnson.

“Fortunately, we have yet to receive reports of any serious injuries associated with the event, and while we know of significant damage throughout the region, we have not heard of any losses of homes, so we are thankful for that.”

The BC River Forecast Centre has downgraded the region from Flood Watch to a High Streamflow Advisory for the Salmo River, Slocan River and all tributaries. Weather through this week is expected to be unsettled, with seasonal temperatures and occasional showers.

There is the potential for more rain into the weekend. Sandbags and sand remain available to all residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared.

The RDCK is currently working with the province to determine if this event meets their definition of a disaster. If so, Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) may become available to residents for the recovery of some costs associated with damage caused by flooding. Please access their webpage for more information.

Do not hesitate to call our RDCK Public Inquiry Line if you have any questions at 250-352-1572 or if you have experienced impacts from this event send an email to EOCDamage@rdck.bc.ca. In the email please give your name, a description of the situation, time, date, location, and a photo(s).

The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period. If you have any issues with public roads, power lines, or gas lines, please contact Yellow Road and Bridge 1-888-630-1420, BC Hydro 1-800-224-9376 or Fortis BC  1-800-663-9911 directly. 

We will provide updates on a regular basis through media releases and by updating our website www.rdck.ca.  We will also communicate directly with the community as needed.

List of roads/facilities/trails currently closed due to damage:

Area A

  • Akokli Forest Service Road
  • Crawford Creek Forest Service Road
  • Crawford Bay Transfer Station
  • Gray Creek Rd.

Area F

  • Duhamel Creek Forest Service Rd.
  • Grohman Forest Service Rd.

Area G and Salmo

  • Portion of Nelson-Salmo trail between Wildhorse Creek Rd. and Wesco Rd.
  • Sheep Creek Forest Service Rd.

Area H

  • Crusader/Lemon Forest Service Road
  • Enterprise Creek Rd.
  • Lemon Creek Forest Service Rd.
  • Silverton Creek Forest Service Rd
  • Sandon Three Forks Rd.
  • Idaho L/O forest service rd
  • Winlaw Regional and Nature Park

Area I

  • Goose Gander Forest Service Rd.
  • Oak Rd. (Pass Creek)

Area J

  • Broadwater Rd.
  • Rialto Forest Service Rd. (Borrow Pit Rd.)

Area K

  • Kuskanax Forest Service Rd.

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