The Township of Spallumcheen is urging residents to be aware of potential for spring flooding. A low-pressure system is expected to move into BC today and last throughout the weekend. This brings with it the potential for rainfall and cooling temperatures. With many creeks in the area rising due to snowmelt runoff the BC River Forecast Centre has many areas in and around Spallumcheen on High Streamflow Advisory or Flood Watch status. Environment Canada is predicting 15 to 30 mm of rain over the next five days with the possibility of localized thunder showers. Residents should use extreme caution around creeks and streams as water conditions can change quickly and fast-moving water may cause erosion and instability in bank edges.
Township staff continue to monitor creeks and have noted the areas of Deep Creek that underwent stream remediation last year as part of the Township’s natural asset renewal work are flowing well and not seeing overtopping of banks as they have in the past. “We are excited by these results and look forward to the work proposed for this summer further north along Deep Creek and the positive impact this will have on the surrounding properties, “ advises Mayor Fraser.
If you have not done so already, now is a good time to check your outdoor spaces and remove items near bodies of water that may be carried downstream and become blockages within creek culverts. Additionally, now is the time to remove items from crawl spaces and basements that are prone to flooding. If you are concerned about flooding on your property, a sandbag station is set up at the Public Works Yard, 1511 Eagle Rock Road. Bags and sand are provided but you will need to bring a shovel to fill the bags.
Residents can get more information about current conditions at BC River Forecast Centre Warnings and Advisories or the BC River Forecast Centre Current Streamflow Conditions and Flood Forecast Modeling. The Township of Spallumcheen website also contains further information and links about preparing for emergencies https://www.spallumcheentwp.bc.ca/emergency-information