The Regional District of Central Kootenay’s Emergency Operations Centre has declared a state of local emergency and a precautionary evacuation alert in response to flooding from the Kootenay River on Peterman Road in West Creston.
“Sections of Peterman Road have experienced eight to 12 inches of water as Kootenay River has overflowed an adjacent field and the road,” said a press release issued at 9:30 p.m. this evening. “Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) and Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) are monitoring the situation.”
Creston Search and Rescue has alerted approximately 35 houses south of the impacted area, which can be avoided via an alternate route connecting to Smith Road, although a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended as it is a MOTI right-of-way and relatively rough.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall advisory warning for tomorrow, which includes the Kootenay Lake area. Localized thunderstorms could potentially bring precipitation amounts between 20 and 40 mm.
“The condition of Peterman Road and extent of flooding is somewhat dependent on the amount of rain that falls locally,” said the release.
High water levels previously caused a local state of emergency to be declared along the Goat River in RDCK Area B — along with other areas — earlier this month.