Fernie, B.C. on flood alert as Elk River expected to rise

The City of Fernie has activated its emergency operations centre due to Elk River flooding concerns. (image: City of Fernie)

The City of Fernie in southeast B.C. is keeping tabs on the level of the Elk River and has closed several trails that are susceptible to flooding.

B.C.'s River Forecast Centre issued a flood warning for the Elk River and flood watches for the Upper Columbia, West Kootenay and East Kootenay regions.

Late Monday morning, city officials announced that the Elk River was at a level consistent with regular spring freshet, but there is potential for flooding as heavy rain is forecasted for the area.

The city has implemented its flood mitigation response plan and activated its emergency operations centre.

As of Monday, Thompson Park in west Fernie has become a staging area for the city's sandbags and the park is closed to the public.

Closed trails include:

• The James White Park trail network;
• Dogwood Park to Park Ave. Bridge;
• Annex Park Inner Dike trail network; and,
• A trail area near the Fernie RV Park.

Self-fill sandbag stations have been set up for public use at three locations in the city.

Fernie residents are asked to sign up for the Regional Evacuations Notification System to ensure they're aware of any potential evacuation alerts or orders.