(File photo)

Sophie Gray

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is encouraging local residents to work together to prepare for potential seasonal flooding this spring.

The RDOS is warning locals of a higher than average snowpack that could result in flooding in certain areas of rural Oliver. But officials say the impact is dependent on what the weather brings. 

“A rain in the alpine could cause a lot of grief,” said Dir. Rick Knodel, Area C (rural Oliver). “The unfortunate thing here is it’s kind of a gambling game. If the freshet is slow, as it has been in the past, we will have zero effect.”

The melt from the snowpack combined with warmer spring weather and possible rain showers could cause the freshet to empty quickly, increasing the risk to private property owners in the area by flooding local waterways. Flooding on properties, the latest RDOS report states, is usually the result of “high stream flow, pooling or slow rising water from a body of water.” RDOS and provincial staff are already trying to combat some of the impact of the snowpack by initiating higher flows out of Okanagan Lake. 

They will continue monitoring snow conditions and lake levels throughout the remainder of the winter and spring months. 

Read more: Prepare now for imminent flooding, RDOS says

The RDOS suggests the use of sandbags along moving water and surrounding structures near bodies of standing water. They are also recommending residents communicate with neighbours and others in the community to help with the heavy lifting, or to coordinate flood prevention efforts to maximize their effects. 

“There needs to be a little bit of authority to help people gather together,” Knodel said. “I am meeting with some of the locals in the Sportsmen’s Bowl area which was terribly affected last time, so we’ll see if we can get something on the go there. What I’ve been trying to get organized is a local volunteer group where local volunteers can register and farmers or residents that need the help can contact the local group.”

Additionally, the RDOS is stressing that those who have been impacted by seasonal flooding in the past should be extra cautious heading into spring, as they are the most at risk. Having an emergency plan and kit in place with essentials is encouraged, as is prioritizing safety while working near moving water. The RDOS has suggested owners of properties that have routine flooding look into investing in better and more permanent flood defenses to help in the future.

Residents are also being reminded that they are responsible for protecting their own properties and homes, as government programs focus on broader flood response measures. The RDOS is providing sandbags and information about how to use them effectively to residents.

Watch: fire department assists with sandbagging in 2018 flooding