It could be three days, maybe more, before the Ross Creek – Seymour Arm Main Forest Road will open.
On Sunday, June 23 the road was closed due to two mudslides at the two-kilometre mark between Seymour Arm and St. Ives.
According to a Columbia Shuswap Regional District news release, officials from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development have advised the Shuswap Emergency Program that the road will be completely closed for a minimum of three days, possibly longer, depending on a geotechnical engineer’s findings.
The ministry states in an email to the Observer that the site is being assessed today (Monday) for road damage and site stability.
“The earliest expected timing for results is tomorrow morning (Tuesday, June 25). Pending the outcome of this assessment, crews and equipment are ready to re-establish access.”
Read more: Two mudslides close Seymour Arm road in North Shuswap, no one injured
Read more: Bastion Mountain landslide report ‘sobering’
Read more: Major slides rip away north face of Joffre Peak near Pemberton
An alternate route is available via the Celista-Blueberry Forest Service Road (commonly known as the ‘1025’ Road) and connects to the ‘690’ or Scotch Creek Forest Service Road, writes the ministry.
The CSRD states the route is best-suited to four-by-four vehicles.
Approximately 58 year-round homes are in the area as well as a number of seasonal residences and campsites, states the CSRD. The 2016 Canada Census indicates a year-round population of 102, but the number of people in the area is likely higher at this time of year due to visitors.
@SalmonArmmarthawickett@saobserver.netLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
