The Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre reports that the flood situation in the Anahim and Nimpo lakes area has stabilized; however, sections of the Chilcotin River are now under a state of emergency.
“Everything is stable out at Anahim and Nimpo lakes. Water levels are dropping somewhat so basically we’re on standby out there waiting to see what’s going to happen in the next day or two,” confirmed Rick Hodgson, EOC director.
Two properties on the Chilcotin River are on evacuation alert; however, the residents remain in their homes. The residents of one home are currently pumping water — due to seepage — out of the home’s basement.
Hodgson says the homes are not directly threatened by the river that has now spilled its banks in some areas.
“We’re watching the levels of the Chilcotin River and if they come up much more there’s one home that may be impacted,” he said.
The Bailey bridge over the Chilcotin River is intact but Hodgson reports its approach is flooded.
“So in the event that we do need sandbags we might have to become inventive to get them there,” he said.
A river specialist assessed the Chilcotin River Tuesday and Hodgson said the EOC expected a risk report shortly. The same specialist flew the Horsefly River looking for log jams but found none. The Horsefly River has spilled its banks at Black Creek.
In the Deka Lake, Interior Road Services has been carrying out works relating to the protection of roads and no homes or structures are currently at risk, reports the EOC.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a high stream flow advisory for the central interior region. Advisory areas include east and west of Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House.
Residents throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin who require sand or sand bags are asked to call the Emergency Operations Centre public information line at 250-398-5117.