Boundary residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding are advised to get sandbags to protect their property.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary says residents should also have a personal emergency plan in place as waters along the Granby and West Kettle Rivers are anticipated to rise over the weekend or early next week.
Some residents and volunteers have already staged about 10,000 sandbags areas which have historically seen flooding.
As of early April the Boundary’s snowpack was 149% of normal and snow melt is expected to accelerate with warmer temperatures the next few weeks.
The RDKB has made 90,000 sandbags and over 200 yards of sand available at 9 locations in the region.
In Grand Forks the Kettle River Watershed Authority will connect local residents with volunteers to help with sandbags. Christina Lake residents can get sandbags at the fire hall. Rural Grand Forks residents can get sand at the airport, arena or Nursery Fire Hall. Greenwood Public Works will be dispersing sandbags for residents, same with Midway Public Works. Those in Rock Creek can get sandbags at the Petro Canada gas station. Sandbags are also available at Westbridge Community Hall and Beaerdell Fire Hall.