Dams at 'critical level'

Water is being pumped away from Secrest Hill Road above Oliver in order to save the road from washout and protect lower-lying properties under evacuation alert.

On Monday night, pumps were set up to divert gushing water from four dams in the area. 

"All are at critical levels, one dam is apparently at max," said Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Area C director Terry Schafer. "This is effectually becoming a dam, but it's not supposed to be," he added, referring to the road across which pumps are working.

Local residents said the situation is unusual. 

"I've lived here all my life, and I've never seen this," said Steve Bicknell. His property isn't on evacuation alert, but he feels responsible for his lower-lying neighbours, and has been tracking water levels. "Since 7:30 [Monday night] we've seen a drop of five to eight inches."

Mary Gifford has lived below Secrest Hill Road for over 25 years, and said that the flood risk is nothing she's seen before. Her husband is in a wheelchair, and the threat of an evacuation has been a significant stress. 

"Everything has to be already packed, and all ready to go," Gifford said. "It is scary."

There is still significant snowpack in the area, meaning flood season may not be over yet. The RDOS says one resident has to be evacuated today after debris blocked access to their home.  A total of 148 properties are under evacuation alert, meaning residents need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. 

April 17, 2018 2:30pm
UPDATE: One resident has been evacuated within the alert area north of Oliver due to debris blocking a driveway which would impede emergency access. RDOS has established 72 hour Emergency Support Services for that property owner.

— RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) April 17, 2018