By Laura Keil
The Village of Valemount and Regional District of Fraser-Fort George have rescinded the Swift Creek landslide evacuation alert as of 11:22 Friday Aug. 13th.
“The area of the landslide has been assessed by professional engineers who have advised there is no imminent risk to public safety and have recommended lifting the evacuation alert,” a joint press release from the local governments says.
40 properties, including a seniors home, were under evacuation alert since July 31st. The alert meant residents had to be ready to leave quickly should an evacuation order be made.
A landslide in the Swift Creek watershed grew significantly in size during the last week of July, and potentially posed a threat to the creek at the bottom of the valley. Activity from the slide has since slowed.
Though trail closures are no longer in effect, the Village and Regional District warn that landslides are a natural hazard in mountain valleys and caution should be exercised in the backcountry.
