A higher than normal snowpack, combined with cool, wet weather in the Shuswap, has local governments preparing for potential flooding.
Both the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s Shuswap Emergency Program (SEP) and the District of Sicamous are stocking up on sandbags in preparation for that possibility.
Sicamous Mayor Malcolm MacLeod expressed his concerns to council, noting he’d been in conversation with SEP co-ordinator Cliff Doherty who had indicated the already higher-than-normal snowpack continues to grow. Works services manager Grady MacDonald noted the district already has about 4,000 sandbags stocked and has ordered 4,000 more.
Falkland has also requested sandbags through SEP as the Salmon River continues to rise.
Doherty says that while there appears to be no imminent threat of flooding anywhere else in the Shuswap besides Falkland, he says recent precipitation coming down as snow at higher elevations continues to add to the snowpack, which normally has already begun to melt at this time of year.
“The indicators are all lining up… There will be flooding and high-water issues of some type,” says Doherty, adding the biggest concern are the drainages. “The creek or river channels, can they hold the water from the melted snow when it decides to come down? We’re at the mercy of Mother Nature there… If we have a real warm period, combined with some rainfall, it could be too much for our drainages to handle.”
Coun. Don Richardson asked MacDonald if there are storm drain backflow preventers in place along the channel. MacDonald said there is a gate valve on Finlayson that could be shut off, and outflows on Weddup and Martin Street, but there are no gate valves for those.
“I guess it would be a bit of a problem if it got really high,” said MacDonald.
Doherty said that properties along the Eagle River, particularly along the bends in the river, might also be at risk. However, he says there are currently sandbags stocked up throughout the regional district, with more on the way.
“This is the first year we’ve done that, and that is because we do feel there will be a need in some areas for sandbags,” says Doherty.
Doherty and SEP are closely monitoring the situation, and providing regular updates through the SEP page on the CSRD’s website, www.csrd.bc.ca. Along with these, there is a list of tips and resources on such things as how to flood proof your home, and where sandbags are being sold throughout the region. Doherty advises that people needing information visit the website first before calling their local municipality or the CSRD.
While it’s possible nature will co-operate, Doherty advises taking a pro-active approach, particularly if you’re located in areas that are historically prone to flooding.
“We do recommend that you start preparing, don’t wait to the last minute,” says Doherty. “It is the responsibility of private property owners to look after what’s happening on their property.”
In Sicamous, sandbags are available at True Value, and in Salmon Arm at Cardinal Equipment and Buckerfields.
