Significant Rainfall Event
March 19, 2026
The City of Fernie is actively monitoring conditions as a significant rain event continues in our region. We have received 50 mm of rainfall since this current weather event began, including 20 mm overnight. Some forecasts are calling for an additional 30 mm of rain today and another 20 mm tomorrow. This is comparable to the amount of rainfall experienced during the December rain event that significantly impacted our wastewater system, and we have initiated early preparation based on learnings from that incident.
At the Main Sewage Pumping Station, flows have risen to similar rates as the December event. Contingency planning is underway, and we’re preparing additional measures should flows continue to increase.
Additionally, in the Cokato area, another slide has occurred at the same location as December within City boundaries. Crews are completing hourly monitoring, and working to ensure drainage through the ditch system remains functional.
Public Works crews are also responding to localized drainage issues at 11th Avenue and McDonald Avenue, where heavy runoff is affecting those areas. These locations are under active monitoring and work is being done to alleviate the issues. The City is preparing the self-fill sandbagging station on Railway Ave. (adjacent to the City’s Operations Facility) to support residents in low lying or at-risk areas.
The most effective way that homeowners can help protect our wastewater infrastructure is by ensuring that sump pumps, downspouts, and perimeter drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system. During heavy rainfall, these types of cross connections can send large amounts of rainwater into the wastewater network, increasing the risk of backups and putting extra pressure on our system. Downspouts should discharge onto lawns or gravel areas where water can safely disperse, and sump pumps should drain outside, not into indoor plumbing or floor drains. Anyone unsure about their setup can contact the City for guidance through our online Request for Service (fernie.ca/rfs).
