Greg Nesteroff
Castlegar News
Heavy rain caused flooding, slides, power outages, and closed one highway and two side roads over the weekend.
Slocan Valley West Road south of the 3100 block was closed Friday, as was Shoreacres-Goose Creek Road at the 2500 block following washouts.
An evacuation alert for homes affected by the closure on Slocan Valley West Road was issued late Friday but lifted as of noon Saturday. Three families on Shoreacres-Goose Creek Road remained stranded.
“The road is impassible and needs to be rebuilt,” said Karen Zaytsoff. “In the meantime we three families wait. It is our only access to the rest of the world.”
Zaytsoff said Tuesday while they are unable to leave, they have two large excavators filling in the gaping hole from the Slocan River up using rock brought in from Brilliant. “We are told the whole thing will take a week to ten days. But we are hopeful that we will see a better and safer road when this is over.”
She said they still have power and phone service.
On Highway 6, a mudslide three kilometers north of the Playmor Junction has reduced the road to single lane traffic with up to 20-minute delays.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay activated its emergency operations centre Friday night.
“Residents throughout the region are being asked to monitor local streams, creeks, and rivers for rising water,” the regional district said in a statement. “People should also be aware of breaking ice dams and blocked culverts.”
The statement also warned that heavy precipitation can saturate soils, affecting slope stability. Residents are advised to be aware of possible sloughing or slides. Flooding emergencies can be reported by calling 1-800-663-3456.
Sandbags are available at local fire halls if needed.
Environment Canada is calling for a chance of showers throughout the week.
However, the BC River Forecast Centre has not issued any flood warnings or advisories for the region.