UPDATED: RDCK said Kootenay Lake expected to rise between 2-4 feet next week
By Nelson Daily Staff
Temperatures hovering around the 30 C mark has the Regional District of Central Kootenay advising Kootenay Lake residents that lake levels should rise in the next week.
In a media release Friday, RDCK staff said the warmer weather will push snow from mountains quickly in the next week.
“The Regional District of Central Kootenay is informing residents that Kootenay Lake is expected to rapidly rise between two (2) to four (4) feet next week starting Monday May 29th due to warm temperatures and a quickly melting high level snow pack,” the release said.
“Lake levels are projected to reach 1752.5 feet on June 1st and 1753.5 feet on June 3rd, levels similar to those seen in 2012.”
The RDCK is asking recreational boat users to be cautious of debris and aware of their wake which could cause additional flooding along the shoreline.
The RDCK may issue an advisory for boat users to stay off the lake next week dependent on lake levels.
“Residents living in low lying lake and river front properties should remain vigilant and take precautions to protect their properties from flooding,” the RDCK said.
Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:
- Beasley — Beasley Fire Hall with sand available at RDCK 202 Lakeside Drive
- Blewett — Blewett Fire Hall with sand available at RDCK 202 Lakeside Drive
- Crescent Valley — bags and sand at Crescent Valley Fire Hall
- Harrop/Proctor — Harrop Fire Hall bags and sand at Harrop Fire Hall
- Kaslo — bags and sand Kaslo Public Works
- North Shore — North Shore Fire Hall, with sand at North Shore Fire Hall and Dvorjetz Road
- Nelson — RDCK with sand available at RDCK 202 Lakeside
- Passmore — Passmore Fire Hall with sand at Passmore Fire Hall
- Salmo — Ymir Fire Dept and Village of Salmo
- Winlaw — Winlaw Fire Hall with sand at Winlaw Fire Hall
- Ymir — Ymir Fire Hall with sand at 124 Lagoon Rd, Salmo
- Riondel — Riondel Fire Hall with sands at Riondel Fire Hall
Residents requiring sandbags can contact the Emergency Program Coordinator in their area:
- Nelson / Kaslo & Areas D, E, F, I, J 250-352-8177
- Nakusp / Slocan & Areas H, K 250-265-0230
- Creston & Areas A, B, C / Salmo & Area G 250-428-0299
The RDCK is asking residents to report flooding or landslide, by calling 24/7 Provincial Emergency Reporting Number at 1-800-663-3456.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY – DIAL 911
CLICK HERE for general information on sandbagging, including the recommended method for sandbag diking.
CLICK HERE for information on debris flow hazards.
CLICK HERE for Kootenay Lake water levels.
Residents brace for possible flooding of lake and riverfront properties
The forecast of warmer temperatures during the next week has the Regional District of Central Kootenay asking residents to be aware of rising lake and river levels which could result in flooding due to a melting high level snow pack.
In a media release Thursday, the RDCK said Kootenay Lake levels are currently at 1749.72 feet and are expected to rise to 1753.1 feet by June 2nd.
Kootenay Lake could possibly rise to 1754 feet by June 10.
Meanwhile, current BC river forecast centre levels show the Slocan River at close to a once in 10 year level for next week.
Residents are advised to monitor lake, river and creek levels as the warming trend expected for the region will likely see rivers continue to rise,” Nora Hannon, Emergency Program Coordinator for the RDCK said in the release.
“Residents should also stay away from fast moving water and be cautious of debris in water.”
“Residents living in low lying lake and river front properties should remain vigilant and take precautions to protect their properties from flooding,” Hannon added.
Balfour residents are advised filled sandbags will be available at the Balfour Fire Hall, 308 Beggs Road, starting Saturday May 27th.
Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:
- Beasley — Beasley Fire Hall with sand available at RDCK 202 Lakeside Drive
- Blewett — Blewett Fire Hall with sand available at RDCK 202 Lakeside Drive
- Crescent Valley — bags and sand at Crescent Valley Fire Hall
- Harrop/Proctor — Harrop Fire Hall bags and sand at Harrop Fire Hall
- Kaslo — bags and sand Kaslo Public Works
- North Shore — North Shore Fire Hall, with sand at North Shore Fire Hall and Dvorjetz Road
- Nelson — RDCK with sand available at RDCK 202 Lakeside
- Passmore — Passmore Fire Hall with sand at Passmore Fire Hall
- Salmo — Ymir Fire Dept and Village of Salmo
- Winlaw — Winlaw Fire Hall with sand at Winlaw Fire Hall
- Ymir — Ymir Fire Hall with sand at 124 Lagoon Rd, Salmo
- Riondel — Riondel Fire Hall with sands at Riondel Fire Hall
Residents requiring sandbags can contact the Emergency Program Coordinator in their area:
- Nelson / Kaslo & Areas D, E, F, I, J 250-352-8177
- Nakusp / Slocan & Areas H, K 250-265-0230
- Creston & Areas A, B, C / Salmo & Area G 250-428-0299
The RDCK is asking residents to report flooding or landslide, by calling 24/7 Provincial Emergency Reporting Number at 1-800-663-3456.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY – DIAL 911
CLICK HERE for general information on sandbagging, including the recommended method for sandbag diking.
CLICK HERE for information on debris flow hazards.
CLICK HERE for Kootenay Lake water levels.
