High Streamflow Advisory for the West Kootenay Region
By Regional District of Central Kootenay
The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for streams in the West Kootenay area. This advisory affects the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK). Due to the rising snowmelt rates and forecast rain the potential for flooding has increased significantly. Residents are advised to stay clear of the fast flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high streamflow period.
“With the current weather forecast there is a very real possibility that there will be Evacuation Alerts and Orders in the RDCK,” said Chris Johnson, RDCK Emergency Operations Centre Director. “Residents should monitor the local weather and the current stream flows to stay informed and sign up for the RDCK Emergency Notification System.”
The RDCK Emergency Operations Centre reminds residents that along with the risk of flooding, there is an increased risk of landslides, debris floods or flows, and rock fall during intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt. Residents should report landslides and floods to the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre by calling 1-800-663-3456.
The RDCK encourages residents to remain prepared for unexpected events or emergencies by making a plan, having a household emergency kit, and a grab and go bag. It is also important to review your insurance policy. Standard home, tenant and condo insurance policies provide coverage for some expenses when you leave your home due to mandatory evacuation orders.
Updates or changes to Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the RDCK will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter as more information becomes available. For details about the RDCK Emergency Notification System (Voyent Alert!) and emergency preparedness, please visit http://www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK public inquiry line is 250.352-7701.
Sandbags and sand are made available to residents. To find your nearest sandbag locations, please visit rdck.ca/BeFloodPrepared
Emergency Preparedness Resources
Current Flood Warning and Advisories
Current Streamflow Conditions and Flood Forecast Modeling
Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notifications
Emergency Management – Prepared BC
Prepared BC emergency guides and resources
Landslide and Flooding Risk Due to Wildfires – Ministry of Forests
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