Heavy rain has caused flooding, slides, power outages, and closed one highway and two side roads in West Kootenay.
Slocan Valley West Road south of the 3100 block was closed Friday, as was Shoreacres-Goose Creek Road at the 2500 block following washouts. An evacuation alert for homes affected by the closure on Slocan Valley West Road was lifted as of noon. Three families on Shoreacres-Goose Creek Road are stranded, as the road is impassible by vehicle.
Zaytsoff said Tuesday while they are unable to leave, they have two large excavators filling in the gaping hole from the Slocan River up using rock brought in from Brilliant. “We are told the whole thing will take a week to ten days. But we are hopeful that we will see a better and safer road when this is over.”
She said they still have power and phone service.
On Highway 6, a mudslide three kilometers north of the Playmor Junction has reduced the road to single lane traffic. There is also a washout on Highway 6, one kilometer north of Slocan Park. The road is reduced to single lane traffic with minor delays.
Highway 31 was closed 10 km north of the Coffee Creek bridge Saturday due to a rock slide, but has since reopened. Power lines were reported down at the Lardeau Bluffs. BC Hydro said more than 300 customers were without electricity, although it has since been restored to all but a handful of homes at Johnsons Landing.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay activated its emergency operations centre Friday night.
"Residents throughout the region are being asked to monitor local streams, creeks, and rivers for rising water," the regional district said in a statement. "People should also be aware of breaking ice dams and blocked culverts."
The statement also warned that heavy precipitation can saturate soils, affecting slope stability. Residents are advised to be aware of possible sloughing or slides. Flooding emergencies can be reported by calling 1-800-663-3456.
Sandbags are available at local fire halls if needed.
Environment Canada is calling for 10 to 15 mm of rain Saturday before the precipitation tapers off. However, the BC River Forecast Centre has not issued any flood warnings or advisories for the region.