MARCH 2019 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC


5 Farmers need to prepare for annual snow melt


Producers on floodplains should have a plan to keep family, structures, livestock safe Many parts of the province


saw heavy snowfall warnings in February, giving the


Viewpoint by MONTY CRISP


provincial snowpack a much- needed boost after a summer of record wildfires. But there’s an even more welcome news flash for many weary souls in the province: Winter is losing its icy grip, and the spring snowmelt will soon begin. The unwelcome side of this glorious news is that the freshet may usher in a stealthy and dangerous hazard: flooding. If conditions are right and the melt happens quickly, high stream flows will occur in many regions of the province. This can quickly escalate to flooding. Although the freshet is an annual occurrence, too many of us ignore the dangers it can pose.


The BC River Forecast


Centre is the go-to agency for information for producers who want to be prepared. The agency analyzes snowpack, seasonal water supply and flood risk, predicts flows in the province’s rivers and streams and issues flood warnings and advisories on its website. The three levels of warning


include: • High Streamflow Advisory: River levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.


• Flood Watch: River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.


• Flood Warning: River levels have exceeded bankfull, or overflow is imminent. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers will occur.


The magnitude and duration of the flooding depends on numerous factors, either acting alone or in


combination. Climatic conditions can include extent of the snowpack, temperature, the intensity of rainfall and


storm surges. Related and often overlooked hazards include ice jams, debris flows, landslides and high water tables. Any of these can cause localized or widespread flooding and destruction. The province and local


governments have taken steps to mitigate flood risk in BC. Dikes are an integral part of BC’s flood protection infrastructure. Primarily located along the


Fraser River and its tributaries, 208 dikes stretch 1,100 kilometres to protect 160,000 hectares (395,000 acres) and an estimated 100,000 buildings. Over 100 local diking authorities manage these so-called “regulated” dikes. In addition, there are approximately 100 “orphan” dikes in BC, totaling 85 km, protecting approximately 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) in 75 communities. Most were un-engineered, hastily constructed due to fast-rising water, and never disassembled. (Removing sandbags is never a sexy task!) Orphan dikes are especially problematic, although no dike is fail-safe. I once heard a civil engineer say, ”There are only two kinds of dikes. Those that have failed, and those that are going to fail.” Ongoing inspection and maintenance is critical. More than 40 dike failures have been documented in BC. The good news is that,


unlike some natural hazards, flooding is relatively predictable – the freshet happens every year! We also know the topography of our farms and which spots are


susceptible to flooding. We can be proactive, taking steps to address on-farm drainage. It’s important to be aware that wildfire can affect the hydrologic response of streams, rivers and lakes. Infiltration rates may decrease, and erosion may increase. Flow rates may increase, and flash flooding may occur. We need to use caution around rivers, streams and culverts when high streamflows are possible. As with any hazard, having a farm emergency plan is important. Preplanning ensures family members will be safe, and can mitigate damage to home or possessions. Planning for pets and farm animals is essential; animal welfare is the responsibility of the producer, not the government. Unconfined animals can usually take care of themselves during a flood, but relocation may be considered. A few preparedness reminders for livestock are: • Maintain a current inventory of all farm animals, including vaccination and ownership records


• Have permanent ID for all animals, such as a tag, tattoo, etc.


• Create a safe environment, by ensuring barns and other buildings are stable; remove dead trees and other potential flood debris


• Prepare a relocation kit, including handling equipment, water, feed, medications, buckets and tools


• Make relocation


arrangements (both on and off-farm), multiple access and escape routes, transport and drivers


• Pre-arrange animal needs at destination: feed and water, generators and equipment for tasks such as milking. Considerations for livestock


after a flood include: • Return animals only after the threat has passed and area or buildings are deemed safe


• Assess animals closely, and contact your veterinarian for signs of illness or injury • Survey farm structures closely for stability and safety


• Provide clean, uncontaminated water, feed and hay


• Monitor animals daily for signs of illness • Record any animal deaths; check with local authorities for proper disposal methods of carcasses. Together, we can enjoy the


beauty and blessing that warmer weather brings without facing a calamity such as flooding. If you experience high water or flooding that impacts your home, business or farm, contact the Emergency Management Office in your region, or the Provincial Emergency Reporting Line at 1-800-663-3456. Monty Crisp is a registered agrologist specializing in agricultural risk reduction strategies based on Vancouver Island.


www.OkLandBuyers.ca “Farmers helping farmers with their real estate needs”


IDEAL FOR HORSES! CEDAR HILL ROAD FALKLAND


Home, rental cabin, 39+ acres, 72x52 barn w/4 box stalls, 2 hydrants, huge workshop. 8 frost-free hydrants, 6 pens, 60x60 round pen, 135x200 arena, tons of pasture. 1,500+ sq.ft. home has breathtaking valley view. Fenced, cross-fenced. Small orchard. Water rights. 1 BR rental has fenced yard & great long-term tenant. MLS®10161585 $998,000


PAT DUGGAN


Personal Real Estate Corporation Royal LePage Downtown Realty Ltd. Farm | Ranch | Residential


Bus: 250/545-5371 (24 hr) Cell: 250/308-0938 patduggan@royallepage.ca


Downtown Realty


4007 - 32nd Street, Vernon, BC V1T 5P2 1-800-434-9122 www.royallegpage.ca


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52