Particle.news
Download on the App Store

B.C. Regional District Declares Local State of Emergency Over Illegal Fadear Lake Dam Risk

The move grants authorities emergency powers to act quickly to reduce flood danger to homes downstream.

Overview

  • The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued the declaration after warning that an unauthorized gravel dam at Fadear Lake poses an imminent overtopping risk.
  • About 14 properties downstream where Fadear Creek meets Louis Creek remain on evacuation alert with residents told to be ready to leave on short notice.
  • Provincial natural resources officers assessed the site and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship has hired an engineer to recommend next steps.
  • Blocked culverts within the man-made structure have raised lake levels, increasing the chance of water spilling over and eroding the dam.
  • Officials say the dam’s builder is unknown and note a separate unauthorized dam in the area caused downstream damage in 2023.