FLOOD WATCH: RCMP closes Kamloops rivers to boaters
Due to rising river levels, the Kamloops RCMP have declared a closure to areas of the North And South Thompson rivers.
Const. Bernie Ward said the water levels, combined with the strong current and floating and submerged debris, have made it too dangerous to allow the public to take boats into the water.
Ward said the CN train bridge at Riverside Park is of particular concern as a boat could be flipped and trapped now that the water has risen so high.
In addition, Ward said, the wake from vessels could cause considerable damage to shore-edge properties.
Areas now closed include:
• The North Thompson River, from the Halston Bridge crossing south to where it joins the South Thompson River;
• The South Thompson River, from the LaFarge Bridge crossing west to the mouth of Kamloops Lake.
Only RCMP, Department of Fisheries, Kamloops Fire and Rescue and provincial emergency vessels are allowed in these areas until further notice.
Ward said failure to comply will be dealt with under section 15(1) of the Boating Restrictions Regulations Act.
Meanwhile, the City of Kamloops has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to Level One.
The EOC team is monitoring water levels, taking precautionary measures and planning for the possibility of higher water levels.
The EOC is maintaining regular communication with the BC River Forecast Centre and Environment Canada, which are providing information to assist in the planning process.
The piers located at the Kamloops Yacht Club and Riverside Park have been closed and many walkways and paths have been barricaded.
Access to the riverfront areas in Riverside and Pioneer Parks is restricted.
The public is asked to avoid these areas and obey all signage.
A 24 hour public information hotline has been established at 250-828-3461.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.