May 12, 2023: The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is reminding residents to be extra cautious around water.
High temperatures forecast for the weekend will accelerate snowmelt into next week. The RDNO is monitoring the ongoing freshet with an active Level 1 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
The RDNO has issued the following updates:
Silver Star Mountain has approximately 900mm of snowpack remaining. As it melts, significant water flows through BX Creek.
"To ensure safety, avoid BX Creek for at least the next week due to swift-moving water and rising stream levels. Part of the BX Creek Trail near the BX Dog Park is closed, so dog owners must be cautious."
Residents in flood-prone areas should remain vigilant and update their household emergency plans.
Public Safety Guidelines:
1 - Stay away from creek, river, and stream edges as high flow can make riverbanks unstable.
2 - Although temperatures may be tempting, be cautious of cool lakes as they pose a risk of hypothermia and cold-water shock.
3 - Exercise caution with open flames or campfires due to increased wildfire risk. Always attend to fires, have water or a hand tool nearby, and fully extinguish campfires before leaving.
Sand and Sandbag Locations:
1 - Cherryville Community Hall, 158 North Fork Rd, Cherryville
2 - BX Community Park (beside BX-Swan Lake Fire Hall), 5764 Silver Star Rd
3 - City of Enderby Public Works Department, 2308 McGowan St Enderby
4 - Lumby Curling Club (across the street parking lot), Near 2270 Shields Ave, Lumby
5 - City of Vernon Public Works Yard (back gate on Pleasant Valley Rd), 1900-48 Ave, Vernon
6 - Mara Lake Community Hall, 11 Coell Jones Rd, Mara
7 - Crystal Sands Estates Entrance, 8192 Highway 97A, Mara
Tags: 2023 Spring Freshet Update and Public Safety Reminders