RDCK

Evacuation Alert issued for communities along the Lardeau River, Duncan River, and surrounding tributaries

10:45 pm

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert due to rising water levels for all communities along the Lardeau River, Duncan River, and surrounding tributaries stretching from the northern end of Kootenay Lake to Trout Lake in Electoral Area D. This includes the communities of Cooper Creek, Meadow Creek, Marblehead, and Poplar Creek.

Weather forecasting and hydrologist assessment indicate the potential for flows in the Lardeau River to go over the banks and create areas of high water within the floodplain adjacent to the river.  

Evacuation Alert – Lardeau River Area
Evacuation Alert – List of addresses included in the affected area

Expanded Map – Cooper Creek Evacuation Alert
Expanded Map – Meadow Creek/Marblehead Evacuation Alert
Expanded Map – Meadow Creek to Howser Evacuation Alert
Expanded Map – Howser to Poplar Creek Evacuation Alert

At this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and to be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice. The key to emergency preparedness is knowing the risks and having a plan. Know the hazards in your areas and take the time NOW to assemble your family Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag. Your plan should also include where you will meet if you need to evacuate, including how you would move pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens, and an Evacuation Order is enforced.

The BC River Forecast centre issued a Flood Watch for the West Kootenay region on May 28 which covers the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), including the tributaries around Trout Lake, Lardeau River, Kaslo, Nakusp, and Nelson. Warmer weather over the past few days has led to increase snowmelt rates and rising river levels through the region. Environment Canada is also forecasting a significant amount of rain through Monday.

High river flows are expected through Monday or Tuesday across the region. The current high end precipitation scenarios in weather models indicate the potential for flooding throughout the Kootenays. Fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to safety. Stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable. Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and current can be life threatening. All residents should exercise extreme caution around rivers and creeks and report erosion, landslides, or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456.

What residents can do to be prepared:

  • Sandbags and sand are available for residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared. Residents must come prepared with their own shovels to fill the bags.
  • Sign up for emergency notifications, through Voyent Alert! The RDCK uses the mass-notification system to send out critical information to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency.
  • If you will require government assistance to meet your basic needs if evacuated (like lodging or food), Emergency Support Services will be available.  Create a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
  • For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. Follow the RDCK website and Facebook for the most up to date information.
  • If you have livestock or large animals, now is the time to consider moving them.
  • If you are not physically able to evacuate yourself, contact the EOC public inquiry line at 250.352.7701.

For more emergency preparedness resources:

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.Download