Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Interior British Columbia for today (Thursday, June 20th). An upper low in Southern Alberta is spreading extensive moisture across Southern British Columbia where rainfall amounts so far range from 40 to 60 millimetres of rain.
Widespread heavy rainfall is expected across the Interior — up to an additional 30 mm are expected throughout the rest of the day.
The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for much of southern B.C., including the East Kootenay, where river levels are rising rapidly.
In Fairmont Hot Springs, crews are responding to flooding after heavy rainfall and resulting debris blocked culverts, forcing the water into streets and through yards.
“The RDEK and its Columbia Valley Emergency Program are on scene, along with the RCMP. The Ministry of Transportation has heavy equipment on site in Fairmont to work on clearing culverts and debris. Sand is en route and should arrive shortly for filling of sandbags and additional resources are being mobilized. Our priority right now is to get the water back within the creek channel,” RDEK Information Officer Loree Duczek said in a press release.
Although some streets and yards are being affected by the water and debris, no homes are flooding at this time and there is no danger to residents,.
According to eyewitness accounts, the pond at Fairmont’s Mountainside Golf Course is filled with debris and the hot pools have been closed for the day due to muddy waters.
This morning, the Canmore Leader reported that the Trans Canada Highway just east of the community, along with Highway 1A have been closed. Raging water levels in Cougar Creek in Canmore have forced town and fire-rescue officials to ask residents in a dozen homes to leave their residences. The raging creek has also taken out between 10 to 15 metres of CP rail line that cross the stream as it makes its way to the Bow River.
