PRESS RELEASE

Trail, BC
June 17, 2022
3:00 p.m. PT

RESCINDED: Evacuation Alert for the Boundary area

See full alert recind here

As river levels have continued to drop and there is less precipitation in the forecasts ahead, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has rescinded its Evacuation Alert for 10 addresses on Beatrice and Division Street in Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks.

The EOC remains activated at a Level 1 to monitor conditions and forecasts in the Kootenay and Boundary areas.

The public is advised to exercise caution and stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and creeks and potentially unstable riverbanks. They are also requested to report any woody debris and log jams that have been mobilised during the high-streamflow period to FrontCounter BC on 1-877-855-3222 (toll free).

The public is advised to regularly monitor the emergency.rdkb.com website, as well as the @RDKB_Emergency twitter feed, for the latest emergency news, weather forecasts and alerts.  Use it to find out the ways you can protect your home, how to make an emergency plan and build your grab & go bags so that you can leave at short notice if you have to. 

If you have not already registered, sign up for emergency notifications here 

PRESS RELEASE

Trail, BC
June 15, 2022
2:00 p.m. PT

RDKB’s Emergency Operations Centre Maintains Evacuation Alert for 10 addresses on Beatrice and Division Street in Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks

With an unstable weather system approaching the Boundary, and as a precautionary measure, the RDKB’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will maintain its Evacuation Alert for the 10 low-lying properties located in Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks as noted above.  Flood response activities, as per the direction of the RDKB Flood response plan, will be re-assessed on Friday, June 17 (AM).

At this time, residents on Beatrice and Division Street are not required to evacuate.  However, people present within those areas are requested to prepare to leave at short notice as they are at risk from flooding.

The details of the Evacuation Alert can be accessed here and may be followed by an immediate order to evacuate should conditions worsen:  Freshet 2022 (rdkb.com)

Mark Stephens, RDKB’s emergency manager and EOC director, explains the decision to maintain, rather than downgrade, the Evacuation Alert: “The good news on the ground is that river levels are declining, they’ve already come down by 15 cm since last night’s peak and are still dropping.  However, as the weather still remains unpredictable over the next couple of days, we will continue to monitor the situation with our partner agencies to ensure a swift response if conditions change unexpectedly.”

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has removed its High Streamflow Advisory for the Boundary area, including the West Kettle River, Kettle River, Granby River and surrounding tributaries.

The advice from the RDKB Regional Emergency Operation Centre, is to be prepared, know your hazards and stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers, creeks and potentially unstable riverbanks. Residents should also stay informed about local freshet conditions, and ensure they have considered plans for moving valuable items, livestock or other items to safe locations if required.

Regularly monitor the emergency.rdkb.com website as well as the @RDKB_Emergency twitter feed for the latest emergency news, weather forecasts and alerts.  Use these resources to learn how you can protect your home, how to make an emergency plan and build your grab & go bags so that you can leave at short notice if you have to. 

If you have not already registered, sign up for emergency notifications here 

EVACUATION ALERT

Trail, BC
June 14, 2022
3:00 p.m. PT

RDKB’s Emergency Operations Centre issues Evacuation alert for 10 addresses on Beatrice and Division Street in Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks

View the full Evacuation Alert PDF here
 

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s Emergency Operations Centre has issued an Evacuation Alert for ten properties that are most at risk from flooding.

At this time residents are not required to evacuate.  However, people resident or present within the areas identified above are requested to prepare to leave the area with very short notice.

This alert may be followed by an immediate order to evacuate should conditions worsen.

Access the full alert here:  Regional District Kootenay Boundary Evacuation Alert

Residents in the Boundary Area can register for emergency notifications here: https://voyent-alert.com/ca/community/#registration

PRESS RELEASE

Trail, BC
June 14, 2022
3:00 p.m. PT

RDKB’s Emergency Operations Centre issues Evacuation Alert for 10 addresses on Beatrice and Division Street in Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks

The RDKBs Emergency Operations Centre is activating flood response activities as per the direction of the RDKB Flood response plan. The EOC has issued an Evacuation Alert for the ten low-lying properties located in Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks as noted above.

At this time, residents on Beatrice and Division Street are not required to evacuate. However, people present within those areas are requested to prepare to leave at short notice as they are at risk from flooding.

The details of the Evacuation Alert can be accessed here and may be followed by an immediate order to evacuate should conditions worsen.

Explaining the discrepancy between the RDKB’s emergency response and the CLEVER Model forecasts, Mark Stephens RDKB’s emergency manager and EOC director explains: “What we’re seeing on the ground is that river levels are declining, they’ve peaked below what was forecast, and our response is based on current, real time information from our partner agencies. This highlights the importance of our Flood Response Plan - based on past experience, we know what our area’s trigger levels are, when we need to take action, and will continue to monitor conditions as this unsettled weather moves into the weekend.”

Self-serve sand bag stations are available, free of charge, to residents at the following sites:

• Westbridge Community Hall
• Rock Creek Riverside Centre
• Midway Public Works
• Grand Forks: 18th Street (behind cemetery & up from dog park)

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has maintained its High Streamflow Advisory for the Boundary area, including the West Kettle River, Kettle River, Granby River and surrounding tributaries.

The advice from the RDKB Regional Emergency Operation Centre, is to be prepared, know your hazards and stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers, creeks and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.

Residents should also stay informed about local freshet conditions, and ensure they have considered plans for moving valuable items, livestock or other items to safe locations if required.

Regularly monitor the emergency.rdkb.com website as well as the @RDKB_Emergency twitter feed for the latest emergency news, weather forecasts and alerts. Use these resources to learn how you can protect your home, how to make an emergency plan and build your grab & go bags so that you can leave at short notice if you have to.

Residents in the Kootenay Boundary can register for current and future emergency notifications here 

PRESS RELEASE

Trail, BC
June 13, 2022
11:00 a.m. PT

RDKB Emergency Program continues to monitor conditions
as BC River Forecast Centre issues Flood Watch for West Kootenay

The River Forecast Centre (RFC) has issued a Flood Watch for the West Kootenay Basin.

The RFC’s Environment Canada Special Weather Statement for the West Kootenay forecasts up to 50 mm rainfall through Tuesday, 14^th June.

As the Columbia River is managed by dams and water levels are regulated by BC Hydro and Fortis BC, the RDKB Emergency Program will be monitoring conditions and forecasts.

“One of the risks from this latest incoming weather is from overland flooding caused by debris clogging of storm drains and the accumulation of water on roads - if the rain flows faster than it can be absorbed,” says RDKB’s emergency manager and EOC Director Mark Stephens. “We ask the public to exercise extreme caution, monitor freshet conditions and connect with neighbours during this period of unsettled weather,” he adds. 

The public is advised to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks. Regularly monitor the emergency.rdkb.com website as well as the @RDKB_Emergency twitter feed for the latest emergency news, weather forecasts and alerts.  Use it to find out the ways you can protect your home, how to make an emergency plan and build your grab & go bags so that you can leave at short notice if you have to. 

Residents in the Kootenay Boundary can register for current and future emergency notifications here 

PRESS RELEASE

Trail, BC
June 13, 2022
11:00 a.m. PT

High Streamflow Advisory for the Boundary as wet weather continues

The River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for the Boundary including West Kettle River, Kettle River, Granby River and surrounding tributaries.

Rising river levels are expected to rise further today (Monday, 13 June) and Tuesday, 14 June as moderate to heavy rain continues to fall over the Boundary region.

The advice from the RDKB Regional Emergency Operation Centre team, which is still activated, is to be prepared, know your hazards and stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers, creeks and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period. Residents should also stay informed about local freshet conditions, and ensure they have considered plans for moving valuable items, livestock or other items to safe locations if required.

Regularly monitor the emergency.rdkb.com website as well as the @RDKB_Emergency twitter feed for the latest emergency news, weather forecasts and alerts.  Use it to find out the ways you can protect your home, how to make an emergency plan and build your grab & go bags so that you can leave at short notice if you have to. 

Residents in the Kootenay Boundary can register for current and future emergency notifications here 

PRESS RELEASE

Trail, BC
June 7, 2022
11:00 a.m. PT

RESCINDED: Evacuation Alert and High Streamflow Advisories for the Boundary area

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has rescinded its Evacuation Alert for 10 addresses on Beatrice and Division Street in Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks.

River levels have continued to drop since the weekend and are returning to pre-rain levels.

The BC River Forecast Centre has also rescinded its High Streamflow Advisory for the Boundary region (including the Kettle River, Boundary Creek, and Granby River).

The EOC remains activated at a Level 1 to monitor conditions and forecasts for rain this weekend in the Kootenay and Boundary areas.

The public is advised to exercise caution and stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and creeks and potentially unstable riverbanks. They are also requested to report any woody debris and log jams that have been mobilised during the high-streamflow period to FrontCounter BC on 1-877-855-3222 (toll free).

Self serve sand bag stations will remain at the following sites for residents free-of-charge for the rest of the week:

• Westbridge Community Hall
• Rock Creek Riverside Centre
• Midway Public Works
• Grand Forks:  18th Street (behind cemetery & up from dog park).

Regularly monitor the emergency.rdkb.com website as well as the @RDKB_Emergency twitter feed for the latest emergency news, weather forecasts and alerts.  Use it to find out the ways you can protect your home, how to make an emergency plan and build your grab & go bags so that you can leave at short notice if you have to. 

Residents in the Kootenay Boundary can register for current and future emergency notifications here 

EVACUATION ALERT RECINDED

Trail, BC
June 7, 2022
11:00 a.m. PT

Evacuation alert recinded for 10 addresses on Beatrice and Division St.

The potential danger that may arise from flooding affecting the properties described in the list below and attached maps and address lists has diminished.

The Evacuation Alert for the following 10 addresses has been recinded:

• 5745 BEATRICE STREET
• 5770 BEATRICE STREET
• 5775 BEATRICE STREET
• 5785 BEATRICE STREET
• 5790 BEATRICE STREET
• 5795 BEATRICE STREET
• 5740 DIVISION STREET
• 5750 DIVISION STREET
• 5775 DIVISION STREET
• 5780 DIVISION STREET

The Evacuation Alert has therefore been rescinded afective June 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM. At this time no properties remain on Evacuation Alert in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB).

If you have not already registered, sign up for emergency notifications at here

PRESS RELEASE

Trail, BC
June 6, 2022
3:00 p.m. PT

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary downgrades its Emergency Operations Centre to Level 1

With a reduction in the predicted freshet peak and less than forecasted rain falling over the weekend, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has downgraded its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to Level 1.

The Evacuation Alert remains in force for 10 addresses on Beatrice and Division Street in Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks.

The High Streamflow Advisory issued by the BC River Forecast Centre for the Boundary region including the Kettle River, Boundary Creek, and Granby River remains in place. Stations in the headwaters of the West Kettle and Kettle rivers crested over the weekend and are returning to pre-rain levels. 

The EOC remains activated at a level 1 to monitor conditions and forecasts for rain this weekend in the Kootenays and Boundary areas.

“This period of unsettled weather highlights how conditions change, and the need for residents to be prepared.  Know what to do in an emergency, have a plan and register for the RDKB Evacuation Alerting System if you haven’t done so already,” says Mark Stephens, RDKB’s emergency manager and EOC Director Mark Stephens.  “We will continue to closely monitor the situation,” he adds.

The public is advised to exercise caution and stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and creeks and potentially unstable riverbanks. They are also requested to report any woody debris and log jams that have been mobilised during the high-streamflow period to FrontCounter BC.

Sand bag stations are still available at the following sites for residents free-of-charge should the weather deteriorate:

• Westbridge Community Hall
• Rock Creek Visitor Riverside Centre
• Midway Public Works
• Grand Forks:  18th Street (behind cemetery & up from dog park).

Residents must bring their own tools and equipment (shovels, transportation). They should also stay informed about local freshet conditions, and ensure they have considered plans for moving valuable items, livestock or other items to safe locations if required.

Regularly monitor the emergency.rdkb.com website as well as the @RDKB_Emergency twitter feed for the latest emergency news, weather forecasts and alerts.  Use it to find out the ways you can protect your home, how to make an emergency plan and build your grab & go bags so that you can leave at short notice if you have to.

If you have not already registered, sign up for emergency notifications here

PRESS RELEASE

Trail, BC
June 3, 2022
1:00 p.m. PT

RDKB’s Emergency Operations Centre Update:  Flood Watch for the West Kettle River and its surrounding tributaries

The West Kettle River and its surrounding tributaries have been upgraded to Flood Watch, where the latest hydrologic modelling predicts the heaviest rain, up to 50mm, will fall through Friday and Saturday. 

A High Streamflow Advisory is maintained for the Boundary Region including the Kettle River, Boundary Creek, Granby River and surrounding tributaries (excluding the West Kettle River above).

An unsettled weekend of wet weather still lies ahead with severe thunderstorms forecast in the Boundary.  Most areas in the Boundary, however, can expect 15mm of rain to fall through Friday and Saturday.

“There is a lot of uncertainty on the location and amount of rainfall heading our way. Staff are regularly monitoring forecasts and we are also prepared should the rainfall shift from the forecasted areas,” says RDKB’s emergency manager and EOC Director Mark Stephens. “All rivers in the Boundary area are currently at or near normal levels.  Sandbag stations are being deployed across the Boundary as a precautionary measure,” he adds.  

The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.

Sand bag stations are being deployed to the following sites for residents at greatest risk of flooding:

• Westbridge Community Hall
• Rock Creek Riverside Centre
• Midway Public Works
• Grand Forks:  18th Street (behind cemetery & up from dog park).

Residents must bring their own tools and equipment (shovels, transportation). They should also stay informed about local freshet conditions, and ensure they have considered plans for moving valuable items, livestock or other items to safe locations if required.

Regularly monitor the emergency.rdkb.com website as well as the @RDKB_Emergency twitter feed for the latest emergency news, weather forecasts and alerts.  Use it to find out the ways you can protect your home, how to make an emergency plan and build your grab & go bags so that you can leave at short notice if you have to. 

If you have not already registered, sign up for emergency notifications here

PRESS RELEASE

Trail, BC
June 2, 2022
3:00 p.m. PT

High Stream Flow Advisory for the Boundary: RDKB’s Emergency Operation Centre Activated

The forecast is calling for moderate to heavy rain levels in the Boundary over the next five days, with pockets of very intense rain predicted to fall on Sunday, 5 June and Monday, 6 June.

Thunderstorms are likely, and the threat of floods are a concern for the West Kettle and Kettle Rivers in the West Boundary.

With a delayed melt and high snow levels for this time of year in the Boundary, emergency personnel are looking at the potential impact of incoming rains falling on melting snow packs.

“Today’s models are higher than the previous days,” says RDKB’s emergency manager and EOC Director Mark Stephens. “It’s a tough weather pattern to predict for forecasters and one that changes on a daily basis. We’re being vigilant by activating our Emergency Operation Centre and are monitoring the forecasts so that we can respond quickly if needed,” he adds.

The advice from the RDKB Regional Emergency Operation Centre team is to be proactive: get prepared before the rain heads our way and stay away from streams and rivers.

Regularly monitor the emergency.rdkb.com website as well as the @RDKB_Emergency twitter feed for the latest emergency news, weather forecasts and alerts. Use it to find out the ways you can protect your home, how to make an emergency plan and build your grab & go bags so that you can leave at short notice if you have to.

If you have not already registered, sign up for emergency notifications https://voyent-alert.com/ca/community/#registration