The Regional District of Central Kootenay’s Emergency Operations Centre moved to Level 3 status on Wednesday afternoon in response to several problem areas identified throughout the region.
Level 3 indicates positions within the Emergency Operations Centre will be staffed on an ongoing basis until potential flooding threats have passed.
Heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours has caused creek and river levels to rise rapidly.
Currently, EOC staff and emergency personnel are focused on the following areas:
Crawford Creek – A dyke just west of the village centre has been experiencing water piping and some overtopping. Further dyke section failures could impact some residences; as a precautionary measure a declaration of a local state of emergency has been issued along with an evacuation alert for residents living in the alluvial fan area south of the dyke. This will impact approximately 25-30 residences.
Slocan Valley West Road – There is the potential for access to some residences on this road to be cut off if the Slocan River continues to rise. At this point in time, access is not compromised. A declaration of a local state of emergency has been issued as a precautionary measure.
Harrop-Procter Road – A culvert has been compromised and as a result Procter Creek has impacted the road near the Procter General Store. Maintenance contractors Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) have responded to ensure continued road stability and safe passage.
Highway 3A has been washed out near Gray Creek and is closed temporarily. Travelers and area residents should check the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructures Drive BC website: www.drivebc.ca
While the amount of rain is expected to lessen over the coming hours, the forecast remains unsettled for the next few days. Residents need to exercise extreme caution around and near creeks, streams and rivers now and for the coming weeks until runoff recedes.
To report concerns regarding flooding threats, contact the EOC at (250) 352-8154 during regular office hours. Twenty four hour assistance is available by calling the Provincial Emergency Program at 1-800-663-3456. Information on emergency preparedness, including proper sandbagging techniques, is available at www.pep.bc.ca.