By Lyonel Doherty

While COVID-19 is a living crisis, another one looms just around the corner.

The regional district is urging residents to prepare for potential flooding as the snowpack begins to melt.

“Now is the time to prepare if you live in areas where flooding has occurred in previous years,” said Emergency Services manager Sean Vaisler.

He noted their operations centre is currently collaborating with local Indian bands and municipalities to plan for the spring runoff.

Residents are encouraged to sandbag to protect their properties, particularly in the Sportsmen’s Bowl and Park Rill areas in Oliver.

Since the big flood in 2018, the district has worked with the Ministry of Transportation to complete upgrades in the Willowbrook and Park Rill systems, including creek restoration and culvert replacement.

Vaisler advised homeowners to assess their property and buildings for potential drainage issues. In the meantime, regional staff are getting more sandbag locations ready for the public.

Vaisler reminded people to follow the province’s physical distancing rules while filling sandbags during the pandemic.

“Come prepared to take precautionary measures to minimize the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19.”

Vaisler said they are working on opening sandbag centres in rural Oliver and Osoyoos.

For more information visit https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, indications suggest cooler than normal temperatures for the remainder of April through to May.

Vaisler said the Okanagan Snow Basin Index indicates a snowpack between 115 and 150 per cent of normal. But he noted that volume inflow forecasts for the Okanagan system are 151 to 155 per cent.

But snowpack is only one risk factor for flooding, he pointed out, adding that spring weather (rain) and timing are also critical factors.

The regional district urges families to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit in case they need to evacuate their property on a moment’s notice.

Area C director Rick Knodel said the

river areas are the only areas threatened at this time.

“The snowpack north of us is still high and that affects the lake system, but as reported the lake system is being drawn down. Still not out of the woods but encouraging.”

Knodel said Sportsmen’s Bowl appears to be secure at this time.

Last week he noted that Park Rill and Kearns Creeks were not running through the Willowbrook bowl yet.