UPDATED: BC River Forecast Centre upgrades West Kootenay to Flood Watch
By Lone Sheep Publishing
The Regional District of Central Kootenay said in a media release Monday that the BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded the West Kootenay area from a High Streamflow Advisory to a Flood Watch.
The RDCK said this means, river and stream levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull.
This advisory affects the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), but specifically highlights the Kaslo River below Kemp Creek, the Slocan River near Crescent Valley and tributaries around Creston and Nelson.
“Due to rising snowmelt rates and 30 to 50mm of expected rainfall in the forecast the potential for flooding continues to increase,” the RDCK said.
“Residents are advised to stay clear of the fast flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high streamflow period.”
Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the most of the Kootenays due to a low pressure centre over Montana that will slow as it enters southern Alberta today and remain in the area through Tuesday.
“Moisture rotating around the low will bring prolonged rainfall that to the regions,” Environment Canada website said.
“Total rainfall amounts of 30 up to 50 mm are expected before the rain eases to periods of light rain Tuesday afternoon.”
The RDCK encourages residents to remain prepared for unexpected events or emergencies by making a plan, having a household emergency kit, and a grab and go bag.
Updates or changes to Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the RDCK will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter as more information becomes available. For details about the RDCK Emergency Notification System (Voyent Alert!) and emergency preparedness, please visit http://www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK public inquiry line is 250.352-7701.
Sandbags and sand are made available to residents. To find your nearest sandbag locations, please visit rdck.ca/BeFloodPrepared
BC River Forecast Centre issues high streamflow advisory for West Kootenay region
In a media release Sunday, the Regional District of Central Kootenay said the BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for streams in the West Kootenay area, adding that this advisory affects the entire RDCK.
The RDCK said due to the rising snowmelt rates and forecast rain the potential for flooding has increased significantly and residents are advised to stay clear of the fast flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high streamflow period.
“With the current weather forecast there is a very real possibility that there will be Evacuation Alerts and Orders in the RDCK,” said Chris Johnson, RDCK Emergency Operations Centre Director.
“Residents should monitor the local weather and the current stream flows to stay informed and sign up for the RDCK Emergency Notification System.”
The RDCK Emergency Operations Centre reminds residents that along with the risk of flooding, there is an increased risk of landslides, debris floods or flows, and rock fall during intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt.
Evacuation Alert for Duhamel Creek area
Locally, the RDCK has issued an Evacuation Alert for Duhamel Creek area at Six Mile North of Nelson due to possible flooding.
The RDCK said at this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however residents are advised to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice.
The RDCK said it is recommended to prepare an emergency kit and ensure preparedness, including moving pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens and an Evacuation Order is enforced. Part of your plan should include where you can go if evacuated.
Residents should report landslides and floods to the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre by calling 1-800-663-3456.
The RDCK encourages residents to remain prepared for unexpected events or emergencies by making a plan, having a household emergency kit, and a grab and go bag. It is also important to review your insurance policy.
Standard home, tenant and condo insurance policies provide coverage for some expenses when occupants leave the home due to mandatory evacuation orders.
Updates or changes to Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the RDCK will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter as more information becomes available. For details about the RDCK Emergency Notification System (Voyent Alert!) and emergency preparedness, please visit http://www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK public inquiry line is 250.352-7701.
Sandbags and sand are made available to residents.
To find your nearest sandbag locations, please visit rdck.ca/BeFloodPrepared
For more emergency about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources:
- Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
- Report flooding or any new hazards to the 24-hour toll-free provincial emergency number at 1.800.663.3456.
- Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notifications
- RDCK web map
- Follow the BC River Forecast Centre for flood warning and advisories
- Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
- Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
- BC Hydro outage map or call 1.800.224.9376
- Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
- Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
- Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) 1.888.630.1420
- Prepared BC
