Flood Watch 2022

June 15, 2022

LAST UPDATE AT: 4:30 PM, Wednesday, June 15, 2022 :

Water levels and flows are currently receding and remain as expected during the seasonal freshet.

The BC River Forecast Centre has downgraded the previous Flood warning for the Elk Valley to a High Streamflow Advisory.

We are continually monitoring river levels and are prepared to activate additional resources if there are any significant changes.

All trail closures remain in place, and the public is asked to respect these closures and stay away from fast-moving water.

Coal Creek Road is re-open past the intersection with River Road Extension as of 4pm today. There are no other road closures at this time.

Public Sandbag Stations
 
Public self-fill sandbag stations are available around the clock and set up at the following locations:
 
• Railway Ave & Ridgemont Ave (next to TJs Autobody)
• Main Sewage Lift Station parking lot off Mt. McLean Dr. at Mt. Trinity
• In West Fernie at the intersection of Riverside Dr. and McLeod Ave.
 
Bags and sand are provided at these stations, members of the public wishing to utlize the stations just need to bring their own gloves and shovels. 
 
Closures of Parks, Trails and Roads
 
The City has closed he following trails due to current water levels and forecasted heavy rain:
• James White Park Trail Network
• Dogwood Park to Park Ave. Bridge
• Annex Park Inner Dike Trail Network
• Section of trail by the Fernie RV Park
 
Thompson Park in West Fernie is closed to the public for City Operations to prepare and stage sandbags.
 
Coal Creek Road is closed beyond its intersection with River Road Extension Forest Service Road.

Please respect all closures.
 
Sign up for Alerts
 
If you aren't already signed up for the Regional Evacuation Notification System, sign up here to ensure you are notified in case of evacuation alerts or orders:

Freshet Preparation

Each spring during freshet, a City of Fernie Flood Response Committee is formed to ensure that the appropriate monitoring and measuring is occurring and the tools are in place to activate our Flood Response Plan to quickly and effectively respond to any flood situations.

The City’s Flood Response Plan guides the response to rising water levels and ensures that the necessary precautions are in place at each level.

The BC River Forecast Centre is also monitoring conditions around the province.

You can get up to date information on any high stream advisories or flood watches here at any time:

Personal Preparedness

Now is a good time to refresh on what you can do to be prepared in the event of a flood.

It’s important to ensure that you are flood ready and have a grab and go bag packed in case you are required to leave your home.

Check out this resource from the Government of BC for tips on how you can best prepare for a flood event: