RDCK

Development & Community Sustainability Services

Post-Emergency Hazard Reports

Following a wildfire, the likelihood of occurrence of landslides, erosion, floods and snow avalanches within or downslope of the burned area can increase. The degree of hazard increase depends on various factors including the burn area, vegetation burn severity, soil burn severity, development of water-repellent soil, slope attributes, local hydrology, and local geomorphic conditions. The trigger for an event is often a significant high intensity rainfall. Elevated landslide and flooding hazards are both short-term (3 to 5 years) and long-term (until full forest regeneration). Short-term hazards relate to soil burn severity, development of water-repellent soil layers, increased overland flows, and sediment bulking. Longer-term hazards relate to increased Equivalent Clearcut Areas (ECAs) as a result of loss of overstory and possible effects of loss of tree root strength.


The following links lead to more specific information regarding post wildfire hazards in the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2018

2017

One of the most devastating events in the RDCK occurred in Johnsons Landing on July 12, 2012 when a landslide tore through the community, taking the lives of four people and destroying four homes. A portion of the area remains under a Declaration of a State of Local Emergency.

Contact Information

250.352.7701

emergency@rdck.bc.ca/