With the spring freshet arriving earlier than usual, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District says it is prepared for any concerns that can go with it.

TNRD communications manager Michelle Nordstrom says the regional district has already had its first spring freshet briefing with Emergency Management B.C.

“Everybody who is impacted, all of the different B.C. ministries and governments within the area here, are well aware of the fact that we’re looking at things a little earlier. We’re prepared to open our EOC as soon as is necessary.”

The regional district issued a water quality advisory this week for Vavenby due to turbidity from the spring snow melt. So far the emergency operations centre has not had to be opened.

“There have not been any [evacuation alerts, order], but of course that is what we’re closely monitoring in terms of what the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is doing with their work. If any of those debris flows are going to impact homes and residents, then we’re ready to get them to safety,” Nordstrom says.

Concerns of potential debris flow are beginning to pop up in areas where the Elephant Hill wildfire burned in 2017, including near Cache Creek, Loon Lake and Pressy Lake.