Spring freshet is in full tilt, prompting regional district officials to keep a close eye on Testalinda Creek south of Oliver. The creek is being dredged out daily to ensure adequate flow and to prevent flooding.
Photo contributed
Emergency services officials are keeping a close watch on Testalinda Creek as spring flooding ensues.
“The concern is that spring freshet is at full tilt, bringing down more debris and gravel (from the canyon),” said emergency services supervisor Dale Kronebusch.
He noted that Chris Jentsch, a victim of the Testalinda slide in 2010, has been busy baling the debris out at Highway 97 south of Oliver.
There is a potential to remove up to 2000 cubic metres of this debris, Kronebusch said. He pointed out that the freshet is eating away at a berm that was built two years ago. “We could end up with another breach (into the orchards below).”
Kronebusch said they are dredging the creek twice a day in order to keep the water flowing.
He also noted they are continuing to determine the snow capacity on Mount Kobau. “Until then we have to make sure the water stays within the berm.”
Area C director Allan Patton acknowledged the concern about the potential for major flooding of area orchards. But as of Monday the water was flowing freely.
“There is a fair bit of movement of dirt in the creek, and the culverts are working well.”
Patton noted there has been some flooding of properties at the bottom end. The director said the mud slide in 2010 took a chunk out of Testalinda canyon, resulting in steep banks not being supported anymore. “We don’t know how stable the banks are above.
There is (still) tons of snow, and the hot weather has been melting the snow fast.”
Meanwhile, most of the 2010 slide donations have been dispersed to the victims. Following initial disbursements, there was approximately $30,000 to $35,000 left to hand out.
The provincial government has completed compensating all of the affected property owners in the 2010 slide.
