CRD Emergency Ops Center Update

Since May 12, 2011, the Cariboo Regional District's Emergency Operations Centre has been dealing with on-going flooding issues throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin. The following is a brief overview of the current situations throughout the region.

Chilcotin

The Evacuation Alert initiated May 31 for two ranches in the Chilko-Newton Road - Bailey Bridge area west of Bull Canyon remains in effect. Although water levels have receded, access to the two ranches is still compromised due to the flooding of the Bailey Bridge approach.

In the Anahim Lake and Nimpo Lake areas, water levels have also been receding, and monitoring of this area will continue.

North Cariboo

The Evacuation Order which has been in effect since mid-May, 2011 for three properties on the Cottonwood River was rescinded as of 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 and replaced with an Evacuation Alert. Water levels remain high, yet stable, while erosion rates continue to slow down on the river banks.

Central Cariboo

Quesnel Lake remains on the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations River Forecast Centre's High Streamflow Advisory. Earlier this week, the Quesnel Narrows and tributaries of Quesnel Lake also appeared on this Advisory however, have since been removed as conditions and weather have improved.

The Horsefly River has also been experiencing seasonal high water levels as the river overflowed its banks in the Black Creek area. At this time, no dwellings are threatened.

Residents are reminded to use extreme caution at this time of year near, on, or around waterways as a result of elevated water levels and rapid currents. Rivers, streams and creeks throughout the Region are still swollen and should be considered hazardous.

For up to date flooding information throughout the region, please visit the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Resource Operations River Forecast Centre at http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/ For Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) inquiries, visit the CRD online at www.cariboord.bc.ca or call the EOC at 250-398-5117. Current information is also available from the BC Government online news centre at www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/emergencyinfobc/