The RDEK made application to Emergency Management BC (EMBC) for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) for “Overland Flooding”.
The Province has approved the Regional District of East Kootenay for DFA for all rural areas and municipalities within the RDEK. This means full-time residents can fill out claim forms and submit them for a portion of the cleanup costs related to the flooding that are not covered by insurance. The DFA program is provincial (not RDEK) and is only available to full-time residents (not seasonal). Applications for Disaster Financial Assistance are on EMBC's web site at http://embc.gov.bc.ca/em/dfa_claims/dfa.html.
River Levels
The Elk River continued to recede from its peak on Friday (when it was flowing at about 1000 cubic metres per second) and this afternoon was flowing at 437 cubic metres per second. This is still a 1-in-5 year flood level. The Kootenay River has dropped down to a 1-in-2 year flood level today from its peak on the weekend, when it was flowing at a rate of 1800 cubic metres per second.
A Look Around the Region
• Hosmer – 120 clean up kits from the Red Cross have been delivered to the Hosmer Community Centre (for use throughout the Valley) and will be available to the community today. Dike inspections showed no change. Sandbags stockpiled in Hosmer have been diverted to Wasa where water levels are rising sharply today; however sand and sandbags are available should conditions change again in Hosmer. Interior Health Information was emailed to the community and posted at the Community Centre regarding proper steps to “shock” wells and get water tested.
• Area A – The State of Local Emergency remains in effect for Electoral Area A. The Emergency Social Services (ESS) Reception Centre that had been set up at the Fernie Curling Club has been closed as all evacuation orders have been lifted. 10 ESS referral extensions have been granted.
• Fernie – a State of Local Emergency remains in effect. The storm water system is handling the water at this time. All dikes are holding. All City parks remain closed as City staff work to determine the full extent of the damage. The parks are expected to remain closed for at least the balance of the week.
• West Fernie – West Fernie Dike is holding stable and drainage has returned to normal. Interior Health Information was emailed to the community and posted at the Community Centre regarding proper steps to “shock” wells and get water tested.
• Cokato – Information will be delivered to the homes on Thompson Road regarding well testing / drinking water safety.
• West Fernie – West Fernie Dike is holding stable and drainage has returned to normal.
• Elkford – The District of Elkford is maintaining the State of Local Emergency declared June 20. The Evacuation Alert remains in place. Residents are asked to stay away from the Elk River and Boivin Creek. Continued debris management will be conducted in Boivin Creek to ensure public safety; therefore, the Peace Park is closed until further notice. The dike/trail system along the Elk River was damaged during the flood. Dike assessments are being conducted with repair work to commence shortly. Residents are asked to stay away from this area, as portions of the dike/trail are missing, and many spots have been impacted by undercutting.
• Sparwood –City staff are assessing trails and parks for damage. Efforts are also underway to replace a water line that was damaged in the flooding.
• Elko Dam – The dam alert has been cancelled. BC Hydro personnel remain on site and will continue 24 hr surveillance while water levels remain high.
Weather Forecast – The weather forecast is calling for continued rain through Tuesday across the region with unsettled conditions on Wednesday including a mix of sun and cloud and possible thundershowers. Strong winds are also possible for tomorrow.
Backcountry Safety Reminder –Extreme caution is advised if using backcountry roads as there are a number of reports of washouts. The Forest Service is requesting people not travel on back roads until the conditions are drier for safety reasons and to prevent rutting on the roads.