What’s the Latest: Summerland landslides raise concerns after wildfire leaves slopes vulnerable
Three landslides in Summerland’s Garnet Valley occurred this week, sending rocks, water, and debris onto the property of the Campbell family. The slides were triggered by heavy rain and highlight the ongoing risks from slopes affected by the Bald Range wildfire earlier this summer.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is conducting geotechnical assessments in affected areas while monitoring rainfall impacts. Concurrently, the B.C. Ministry of Forests has released a report detailing elevated landslide hazards, particularly along Highway 97, where the likelihood of property impacts has been rated as high.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is actively monitoring the situation and conducting geotechnical assessments after recent landslides in Summerland, while providing residents with sand and sandbags to mitigate potential flooding impacts. Additionally, the B.C. Ministry of Forests has released a report indicating elevated hazards linked to this summer’s wildfire season, with specific risks to areas along Highway 97 classified as high.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how many properties have been impacted by the recent landslides following the wildfire.
Landslides in Summerland raise concerns over wildfire-affected slopes
Three landslides in Summerland’s Garnet Valley this week have raised alarms following recent wildfires in the region. The slides, triggered by heavy rain on Tuesday, resulted in rocks, water, and debris cascading onto the property of the Campbell family. “It was a wall of rocks and water coming down into the field there,” stated Marty Campbell. The incident serves as a stark reminder that risks persist long after the wildfires have been extinguished.
The Bald Range fire earlier this summer burned vegetation from surrounding slopes, leaving the ground more susceptible to erosion and landslides during heavy rainfall. Shawn Campbell expressed concern, saying, “If that mountain behind us gives out and slides right into our houses, that would probably be our biggest fear right now.”
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is currently monitoring the situation. Geotechnical assessments are underway, and the RDOS is collaborating with affected residents. Information officer Erick Thompson noted, “The RDOS is certainly looking at the potential for impacts to property because of heavy rainfall events,” adding that sand and sandbags are being made available to residents.
A report from the B.C. Ministry of Forests has identified elevated hazards in the wake of this summer’s wildfires, with varying risks depending on terrain. Highway 97 is classified as a high-risk area due to the potential for spatial impacts from landslides on slopes above it. The ministry has directed inquiries to the Ministry of Forests, citing limited communication as the provincial government transitions.
The risks extend beyond Summerland, with the Central Okanagan Regional District also alerting residents of potential hazards associated with the Quilchena fire south of La Casa. The Campbell family, who narrowly saved their property during the wildfire, now faces the looming threat of flooding. “The fire burned right to our doorstep. We were able to stay and fight it… and now it’s flood watch,” remarked Shawn Campbell. The landslides serve as a reminder that the consequences of wildfires can linger long after the flames are extinguished.