With the potential for seasonal spring flooding, the City of Fernie is encouraging residents in flood prone areas to be proactive and take steps now to protect their homes and properties if they feel they may be at risk.

The City has set up a self-filling sandbagging station outside of the Public Works Yard located at 1492 Railway Avenue so that residents can fill as many bags as they feel they need. Please bring your own shovel, ties and any additional supplies you may need to fill the bags and transport them. Please note that bags should only be filled half full as they become heavy and difficult to lift and place.

Additional information on the current flood situation and sandbagging can be located on EMBC’s website

The snow pack is melting quickly and the river system is flowing full with levels below last years however an above average snow pack remains as shown on the following graph.

With favourable weather in coming days the run off can be managed effectively by the river system. Unfavourable weather of significant rain of 80mm or more could accelerate the run off and cause significant flooding.

It is important to actively monitor weather forecasts as warnings may be announced. Please monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada at weather.gc.ca.

Lets hope for continued high flows and nothing more!