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Dore River settlement avoids damage from water surge |
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Written by Citizen staff
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Friday, 16 May 2008 |
The Fraser-Fort George Regional District is crediting quick action Thursday evening for preventing any injury or property damage in the Dore River settlement, just west of McBride, after an avalanche blocked the upper river valley and sent a surge of water downstream.
The snow slide had a damming effect resulting in a sudden release of water which had enough energy to carry rocks and logs down the river channel to the lower reaches of the Dore, regional district officials said in a press release.
But local residents were aware of the situation early in the evening "and with the assistance of local emergency management personnel were able to warn others in advance of the debris torrent allowing residents to take precautionary measures," officials said.
An assessment flight Friday morning revealed that the river has since tunnelled under the avalanche and is flowing freely and all other major slide paths in the upper Dore tributaries have discharged and pose no additional avalanche threats to the river channel at this time.
"It is expected that over the next while the snow bridge will collapse and create small stream surges, but nothing of significance," officials said.
But while the risk at this time is thought to be low, officials said residents of the Dore River settlement area around Highway 16, and others living in similar steep mountain river and creek valleys, are encouraged to take precautionary steps to protect themselves, their family and property from debris torrents and water surges
Recommended actions include:
- moving vehicles, equipment and farm implements to higher ground;
- making arrangements for pets and livestock to be moved to safe locations;
- gathering important papers in water-tight containers and move valuables to alternate locations; and
- preparing a 72-hour personal survival kit for you and your family.
The regional district's emergency operations centre is open and can be reached by calling 1-250-960-4475. Updates can also be found at www.rdffg.bc.ca.
The settlement is a bit less than 220 km. east of Prince George.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 16 May 2008 )
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