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UPDATED: Evacuation Alert removed for Morley Creek

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
August 11th, 2019

The Regional District of Central Kootenay issued a media release Monday afternoon regarding the mudslide at Morley Creek, north of Nelson.

Upon recommendation by subject matter experts (SMEs) from the Province, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is removing the Evacuation Alert issued yesterday for properties in the Morley Creek area at 10 Mile, north of Nelson on Highway 3A, effective immediately. The Evacuation Alert had been issued for about 30 properties in the area due to a debris flood.

“We issued the Evacuation Alert as a precaution yesterday, since the weather didn’t allow us to do a thorough assessment of Morley Creek at the time, and we wanted to make sure we could properly assess any remaining risk to area residents,” said Chris Johnson, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Director. “Today, a flight over the entirety of the Creek was completed by SMEs and it was determined that it was unlikely an event of similar or greater size is imminent.”

Water access was affected for water license holders in the area. Nine properties have been identified as being damaged due to the debris flood, but no structural damage or injury to persons has been reported. Debris on Highway 3A and roads in the area is being addressed by highway maintenance contractors.

“This kind of event is a natural occurrence for steep creeks in our region, and residents should remain aware of their surroundings and prepared to act when an emergency occurs,” continued Mr. Johnson. “We would like to thank area residents for their cooperation and patience. We also recognize the work of first responders and highway crews for all their efforts in dealing with this event.”

RDCK issues Evacuation Alert for Morley Creek, north of Nelson

In a media release Sunday, the Regional District of Central Kootenay has issued an Evacuation Alert for approximately 30 properties in the Morley Creek area, located in the in 10 Mile area north of Nelson, between Sitkum and Kokanee Creeks.

The RDCK said the Evacuation Alert, due to a debris flood, is a warning about potential imminent threat to life and property, and is a precautionary measure. It is meant to give residents time to prepare in case they need to evacuate.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated in response to the event.

“This Evacuation Alert has been issued as a precaution for properties in the area due to the risk of further debris movement,” said Chris Johnson, the EOC Director.

“We are working closely with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operation and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to assess the situation, so we have a better understanding of any risks of additional events or impacts.”

The RDCK said water access has been affected for water license holders in the area. Residents are advised not to visit the area to check on their water at this time.

Affected homeowners are being notified by local authorities. An area of Highway 3A has been affected by the debris flood, as well as other access roads. Flaggers are on site for traffic control.

For more information:

The map shows the affected area, located in the in 10 Mile area north of Nelson, between Sitkum Creek and Kokanee Creek. — RDCK

RDCK Fire Departments gather before going door to door in the community. — Submitted photo

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