Information Bulletin - Freshet season expected to last until late July

June 17, 2022

With a significant amount of mountain snow pack still remaining, according to the BC Ministry of Forests – River Forecast Centre, residents of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) can expect freshet season to be extended to late July.

The snow pack is snow on the ground in mountainous areas that persists until the arrival of warmer weather. Across the province the average snow pack is well above normal. Typically by this time of year, three quarters of the accumulated snow pack has melted; however, due to the abnormally cooler temperatures throughout April and May it has been delayed. Currently, the average snow pack in BC is 198% of normal, while in the West Kootenay region, which includes the entire RDCK, snow pack is at 215% of normal. This number indicates a continued enhanced risk from snowmelt related flooding, especially in combination with heavy rain.

The RDCK remains under a High Streamflow Advisory. Earlier this week the BC River Forecast Centre downgraded the advisory from a Flood Watch Advisory. Most rivers, streams and creeks have risen to normal or above normal levels and are extremely vulnerable to heavy rainfall events. Residents are reminded to exercise extreme caution around rivers and creeks.

Kootenay Lake is currently at 1751.45 ft. (533.84 metres) at Queen’s Bay. FortisBC has advised all residents that the lake level still has the potential to exceed 1752 feet. Go to www.fortisbc.com/lakelevel to access the hourly updated Kootenay Lake level

Environment Canada forecasts unsettled weather conditions throughout the RDCK over the next week with no sign of an extended heat event. However, a significant change in the forecast or thunderstorms along with heavy rainfall could result in localized floods.

There are currently no Evacuation Alerts or Orders in the RDCK. On Tuesday, June 14 the RDCK removed the Evacuation Alert for the community of Six Mile near Nelson BC, as the risk of damage to the Duhamel Creek Orphan Dike structure has diminished

Information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders in the RDCK can be found on the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701.

BE PREPARED

Now is the time to prepare you and your family. Follow the links below for valuable resources on how to make an emergency plan and prepare your grab and go bag. This includes preparing for your animals and livestock to be relocated. Plan ahead, residents in an affected Evacuation Order and Alert areas are encouraged to stay with friends and family.

Be sure to take action ahead of time to protect your property. The RDCK will keep re-stocking sandbag locations as required. Sandbags and sand are available to all residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared.

EMERGENCY RESOURCES

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The content on this page was last updated June 17 2022 at 8:21 AM

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