Flood mitigation work continues on properties in the Testalinden Creek area where regional district officials have their eye on the flooding hazard. Fifteen homes in the area were placed on evacuation alert last Friday. (Dan Walton photo)

It’s a bail gravel, wait-and-see situation as regional officials keep an eye on the flooding hazard in the Oliver area.

Last Friday 15 homes in the Testalinden Creek area were placed on evacuation alert due to the fear of water undermining the slope above where a large debris slide destroyed several homes and orchards in 2010.

This area was made more vulnerable in 2015 when wildfire destroyed many hectares of trees and vegetation.

That fire had a huge impact, according to Emergency Services Supervisor Dale Kronebusch, who noted that people are monitoring the creek to ensure it isn’t being blocked by debris.

“There is way too much water, and there is a lot of snow to melt yet,” he pointed out, adding the spring freshet isn’t over.

Kronebusch said some properties have reported damage, such as Intersection Winery at Road 8, and Fairview Mountain Golf Course, where new streams and rivers have suddenly appeared due to the runoff.

Kronebusch said they are not seeing a serious potential for another slide, but the situation is being closely monitored.

He noted as long as Testalinden Creek keeps flowing freely and the gravel is bailed out, trouble should be averted.

People are asked to report if they see the creek slow down due to a possible blockage somewhere upstream. “We need to pay attention and stay alert in order to stay ahead of the game,” Kronebusch said.

He is advising people who have sandbags in place to keep them there until further notice.

The evacuation alert applies to homes on Testalinden Place, Golden Mile Drive, Highway 97 and Road 15.

Kronebusch advises people to stay well away from all creeks and rivers as water flows can change quickly and banks become increasingly undermined and unstable.

For more information visit www.rdos.bc.ca or call 250-492-0237.

LYONEL DOHERTY

Special to the Times