No shortage of spring runoff problems in the South Okanagan, Similkameen

PENTICTON – This week's above seasonal temperatures are expected to give way to cooler conditions along with rain on the weekend, potentially exacerbating areas in the South Okanagan already under flood and high water threats.

Several areas in the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen now being affected by high water levels and landslides will continue to be monitored and actioned by authorities this weekend.

Rural Oliver is the focus for much of the flood threat and remains under a local state of emergency, but parts of rural Okanagan Falls and the West Bench are also being monitored following landslides in those areas. A rockslide near Faulder has been assessed by engineers, who are back on the site today, April 27, for further mitigation assessment.

In rural Oliver the province continues to work to remove obstructions, including beaver dams, from the Park Rill Creek system. Pumping to remove water from the oxbows on Lower Island Way Road into the Okanagan River channel is ongoing, with a third pump installed yesterday, April 26.

Roads 6 through 9 are being studied in anticipation of new culverts in order to increase the water through that area. Pumping on Secrest Hill Road is keeping floodwaters in check at that location.

A continuing threat of overflowing debris and overland flooding in the Sportsmens Bowl area keeps properties on that road on a continuing evacuation order.

Willowbrook’s high water problems aren’t over as the small community west of Oliver continues under a local state of local emergency, with tiger dams installed late yesterday. 

A new evacuation alert has been issued for one property at the end of Goldtau Road in the Willowbrook area after a water impoundment formed behind the road. A controlled breach to draw down the water is being conducted by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

A recent state of local emergency declared for Farleigh Lake and Green Mountain Road continues. The area is a source of ongoing concern for the regional district along a section of Green Mountain Road in the Farleigh Lake area, where a recent slide forced the evacuation of a home.

The regional district said in a press release it has been ordered by Forests, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development to repair an orphan dike near Cawston, with works expected to get underway shortly.

The regional district continues to encourage residents to be prepared on their own properties in the event they are affected by high water levels, landslides or wildfire in the spring and upcoming summer season.

For information on sandbag locations, consult the regional district website here.

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