Access to parts of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area has been closed due to severe flooding at Duck Lake and Leech Lake, as well as the area around the Wildlife Interpretation Centre.
The dike that runs along the south end of Duck Lake has been closed because water is just inches from the top of the dike at several points, and wave action causes the dikes to receive water. The pump at the north end of Duck Lake has been running constantly for two months, but the amount of water coming in is now too great.
“The pumping has not stopped water from getting extremely close to the dike top,” said Carla Ahern, CVWMA communications, stewardship and education director.
The Summit Creek/Leach Lake area has also been closed to the public. A gate has been put up west of the Summit Creek bridge to warn visitors of closure and that it is not safe to be in the area.
Water is being added to Leach Lake from the river because there is a 2.5-metre difference between the river level and water levels at the north end of the lake.
“This puts unnecessary pressure on the dikes, so we need to equalize this and add water to Leach Lake so that the dike integrity is not compromised,” said Ahern. “As a result of adding water to this unit, the internal flood dikes will be under water so it is not safe for the public to be venturing into the area.”
Some of the trails around the Wildlife Interpretation Centre have also been closed, with signage marking the ones that aren’t obviously impassable.
“The centre remains open to answer questions and offer canoe tours as well as have the gallery available for people to explore,” said Ahern.
