The Regional District of East Kootenay has issued an evacuation alert for properties in Fairmont due to flood risks following sustained rainfall for much of the day and more precipitation in the forecast. The evacuation alert applies to 97 properties, including including multiple stratas and campsites along Fairmont Creek. The Alert only affects properties along Fairmont Creek at this time. “The steady rain has resulted in an increase in water flow and sedimentation in Fairmont Creek and with the weather forecast calling for continued rain
over the next two to three days, there is a potential for the capacity within the debris basins to be exceeded,” said Information Officer Loree Duczek. “As a result, we have issued the Evacuation alert out of an abundance of caution and to give people time to prepare to leave immediately should conditions worsen.” The Fairmont Weather Station received approximately 17mm of rain a five-hour span on May 30, which is substantial for this area. While Fairmont Creek has not overtopped its banks at this
time, the upper debris traps are filling with debris. With more rainfall in the forecast this week, there is the potential for additional sedimentation, and as a result, debris flooding or a debris flow. The RDEK has been on site during the evening of May 30th and will continue monitoring the creek, along with other waterways in the area throughout the coming days. As of the evening, the culverts are flowing freely. The evacuation alert covers: • All properties on Fox PL • All properties
on Wilder Loop Rd. • All properties on Fairmont Creek Rd. • 5264, 5268, 5272, 5276, 5280, 5284 Columbia River Rd. • All units on 5201 Fairway Dr. • All units on 5150 Fairway Dr. • 5225 Fairmont Resort Rd. The purpose of an alert is to ensure people are aware of the potential danger in their area and take steps to prepare to leave on a moment’s notice should an evacuation order be issued. “Now is the time for people to put together a
grab and go kit that they have ready by the door, so that in the event they are asked to evacuate, they are ready to go,” adds Duczek. “Important papers (like insurance papers), medications, valuables, supplies for children and pets, photos or hard drives are all examples of things that can be included.”
Evacuation alert, Fairmont Creek, RDEK, Loree Duczek, flood risks, debris basins, May 30 rainfall, Fairmont properties
Wait, 17mm in 5 hours isn’t even that much… right?
So it’s not flooding yet but they’re already saying evacuate? Seems kinda backwards. If the banks aren’t overtopped, what’s the emergency, debris basins? Idk, just seems like they’re panicking early.
My cousin lives near Fairmont Creek Rd and she was like “it’s all because of that one storm,” but this says ongoing rain for days. Debris basins exceeding capacity?? like the creek is gonna turn into mud soup. Honestly I’d rather be safe but also wish they’d say exactly when it becomes an evacuation order not just “abundance of caution.”
“Culverts are flowing freely” and they still need people to prepare to leave… so culverts are good but creek is bad? Also why only properties along Fairmont Creek, like rain stops at the boundary? Feels like they picked the list first and figured out the reason after. If I lived there I’d already have the grab bag by the door though, insurance papers especially. Who even has hard drives just sitting around??