The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has reported that water levels at Wasa Lake have been rising about one inch per hour throughout the day today (June 26), with three properties on the south end of the lake being affected by flooding.
This development follows the warning of “significant” flooding potential for the East Kootenay that issued this morning by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations’ River Forecast Centre.
“We are encouraging residents and property owners in Wasa who are near the water to ensure valuables are moved out of basements, and take steps to prevent belongings from being affected by floodwater,” RDEK Information Officer Loree Duczek said in a news release.
The RDEK will be delivering sand and sandbags to the Wasa Commnunity Hall this evening (June 26) for residents to fill and is awaiting word from the Ministry of Forests on whether forestry crews will be able to assist with the task.
Anyone who feels they can’t stay in their homes are asked to contact Carol Lind at 250-420-1917 for Emergency Social Services assistance and the RDEK will be providing more details as they become available.
A rainfall warning for the East Kootenay north — including Invermere — is in effect. Environment Canada expects total rainfall amounts of 30 to 60 mm for today and tonight.
Overall, the Kootenay Region is on flood watch, meaning that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull while flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
Rivers have been responding to rapid snowmelt and wet conditions over the past two to three weeks, stated the River Forecast Centre’s update. The heavy rainfall over the weekend has led to significant river level rises. Significant rises in river levels are expected through today and into tomorrow (June 27).
For more information, visit http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca.
