RDCK EOC MOVES TO LEVEL 3, RESPONSES UNDERWAY FOR SEVERAL AREAS OF CONCERN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NELSON – The Regional District of Central Kootenay’s (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has moved to Level 3 status 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
10 Responses
There is nothing on the Drive BC website about the wash out near Gray Creek, what are the details?
sure there is info on the drivebc.ca website. click on the icon on the map in Grey Creek. It says:
2 Incidents zoom in
Wash Out Highway 3A between Castlegar and Creston Both directions – Closed in both directions 15 km east of Kootenay Bay Ferry Landing, in Kootenay Bay because of Wash Out. Estimated time of opening Fri Jun 8 at 12:00 pm. Low confidence level. Next update at 6:00 pm. Updated on Thu Jun 7 at 12:06 pm PDT. (ID# 133987)
Ferry Service Interruption Kootenay Lake Ferry Eastbound – Ferry Service from Balfour; Travel to Gray Creek only. Highway 3A closed 15km south of Kootenay Bay. Detour via Kootenay Pass. Regular ferry schedule in effect. Updated on Thu Jun 7 at 10:21 am PDT. (ID# 133990)
Half of the highway at the old forestry station is gone. They are propping up the road with boulders and rubble. It’s very slow going, long lineups and may be closed again temporarily.
Wow, Ingrid, THANK YOU for the post! We are in Spokane, scheduled to drive back tomorrow, but will postpone now that we know we can’t even make it through. Guess we’ll reassess on Friday…..
Ingrid, I have been looking everywhere for more information on these local disasters. I have found you to be the most informative, and up to date. So, I wanted to say thankyou, and good job!! Keep up the good work..
Wow…so great for you to post this Ingrid…it’s amazing to read…from far away…hoping everyone I know & their property is OK!!! I can’t quite picture where Crawford Creek is floodingl…but I do remember as a child (mid 70’s) the creek flooded BIG TIME…at the bridge…golf course #5 green & #6 tee…the beach road and over towards the A frames…Twyla had her hair salon there at that time!!! Stay safe everyone!!! God Bless…
thank you for the update. i’m glad to be getting the report when i’m away from home!
From the Drive BC website: Wash Out- Highway 3A between Castlegar and Creston Both directions – Closed in both directions 15 km east of Kootenay Bay Ferry Landing, in Kootenay Bay because of Wash Out. Estimated time of opening Fri Jun 8 at 12:00 pm. Low confidence level. Next update at 6:00 pm. Updated on Thu Jun 7 at 8:23 am PDT. (ID# 133987)
thankyou for keeping us all informed. Your hard work is very much appreciated!
Barb
Soooo…… From the DriveBC site all looks fine in the ole 3A now. Is that right? Trying to plan our route back from Spokane….