The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for the Kootenay region, including the Moyie and Goat rivers, both of which run through the Creston Valley.
A press release issued this morning by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) said that it is preparing to support residents in the case of an emergency.
“The RDCK is making sandbags available to communities in the area of concern,” said the release signed by RDCK community service manager Joe Chirico. “Bags are stored outside the entrance to local fire halls and are available free of charge. In order to ensure an adequate supply of sandbags, property owners are asked to take only the quantity needed to protect their home over the short term.”
River levels are rising quickly due to heavy rainfall, which is expected to continue. In addition to the Goat and Moyie rivers, the Salmo and Slocan Rivers and, on Nelson’s North Shore, Redfish and Duhamel creeks are in danger of flooding.
The release warns residents to avoid walking or standing near the edge of stream channels during and after heavy rains, and during aggressive snowmelt.
“Be prepared to evacuate on short notice,” the release continued. “A sudden increase or decrease in stream flows, a rapid change in stream colour, or sounds of tumbling rocks or falling trees may indicate the need to evacuate.”
Residents experiencing a flooding emergency or needing to evacuate should contact the Provincial Emergency Program (1-800-663-3456) for assistance. Proper sandbagging techniques and other emergency information can be found at www.pep.bc.ca.
