Village of Kaslo scenic trail washed out for second time in as many years
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Rains in and around the North Kootenay Lake has not only made it tough to drive, but also to get some exercise according to Ken Butt.
The Kaslo Trailblazers Society secretary said the North River Trail in Kaslo was washed out Thursday from the rains that have soaked the Southern Interior of the province the past few days.
“Currently 50 feet at the trail height and probably 125 feet down at the river of the North River Trail has washed out,” Butt told The Nelson Daily Thursday.
Butt said the North River Trail, which is wheelchair accessible, has been hit for the second straight year erosion due to the wet weather.
Approximately 1500 meters east of this location was affected last year.
Hikers only can access the much narrower South River Trail on the Kaslo River.
“We have funding in place for that repair with government approval and are waiting fornon-fish spawning -time window and of course lower water flows to begin the fix,” said Butt, adding approximately $40,000 has been earmarked to repair the 2012 washout.
Butt said water elevation of the Kaslo River is about a foot higher than in 2012 as this time but is very dirty due to the road washout closer to Rob Creek.
Unfortunately, Environment Canada continues its rainfall warning for the West Kootenay with upwards of 20 to 40 millimeters expected in the southern interior.
Heavy rain will gradually ease over many areas later today as the low weakens. However rain will continue over the southeast where a further 10 to 20 millimetersis possible for Thursday night.
