Evacuation alert issued for 15 homes in Oliver, B.C.

An evacuation alert has been issued for 15 homes in Oliver, B.C.

Rain and melting snow hasled to increased water running through TestalindenCreek, a waterway that runs near15 properties including local wineries.

Officialsfrom the Regional District ofOkanaganSimilkameen(RDOS) say debris from the weakened slopes of theTestalinden Canyon are alsorunning into the creek, which could temporarily dam the creek and cause water and debris to overflow.

District emergency services supervisorDaleKronebusch says residents should be prepared to evacuate,

"[Residents] could be asked to leave their property on short notice," he said, adding a district helicopter initially observed the flow of debris into the creek.

The following addresses are affected by the alert

• Testalinden Place: 511, 545, 555, 579, 583, 589, 598, 599
• Golden Mile Drive:4472, 4444
• Highway 97: 4535, 4523, 4522, 4508
• Road 15: 308

The alert comes after an incident in 2010 when the failure of an upland earthen dam caused a significant debris flow along Testalinden Creek. Mudslides destroyed several homes and temporarily shutdown Highway 97A.

Members of the RDOS are currently working to remove debris and stabilize and reinforce the creek.