Portion of road in Shuswap completely swept away in washout

SHUSWAP – Part of a Shuswap road was completely washed out by a sudden rush of water yesterday.

At roughly 3:30 p.m. April 27, a substantial increase in creek flow overwhelmed a culvert near 6111 Eagle Bay Rd. — about 45 minutes north east of Salmon Arm — causing water to flow over the road and adjacent ditch, according to a media release from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.

A portion of the road was completely swept away.

A preliminary geotechnical assessment was conducted by helicopter Thursday evening. 

A detour route can’t be built until the upland area is stabilized to mitigate water flow, states the regional district.

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure crews are expected to begin work this morning.

Eagle Bay Road will remain closed until further notice. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area. 

This is the latest in a number of floods and slides this spring. Earlier this month, a mudslide moved a Shuswap home off its foundation and just last Saturday, 10 properties in the Silver Creek area were evacuated due to potential groundwater and slope instability. 

Residents seeking information or requiring Emergency Support Services are advised to contact the Emergency Operations Centre directly at 250-517-8071. 

Contact 911 if RCMP,  ambulance or fire services are required. 

Further updates can be found here.

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