UPDATE: 12: 30 p.m.
Westside Road North between Main Street and Denison Road remains closed in both directions following a landslide at about 9:45 p.m. on April 1.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations has been activated to support responders at the landslide site.
鈥淲e expect emergency crews will be released later today, and the site will be turned over to the Ministry of Transportation,鈥� said Sally Ginter, director of the Emergency Operations Centre. 鈥淲e appreciate the patience of residents and motorists.鈥�
The area of the slide was significantly impacted by the 2023 McDougall Creek Wildfire. Properties located in the post-wildfire areas are subject to a higher risk of potential debris flow runout and upstream diversion, said Ginter.
Property owners within the post-wildfire area should watch for changes in vegetation and surface conditions.
鈥淭he probability of slope instability increases in wildfire-affected areas, and it is important for residents living on or adjacent to wildfire-affected properties and waterways to monitor for irregularities, particularly during a rainfall event,鈥� explained Ginter.
The best way to prepare is to be aware of changes that could signal a landslide. These may include:
- Sudden changes in stream flow.
- Rapid changes or pulses in flow (e.g. changes in volume) or pulses of sediment (e.g. from clear to murky).
- Abnormally dirty water.
- Blocked culverts impeding water flow.
- Accumulation of large logs or debris.
- Rapid accumulation of sediment or bed-load along a flat section of a creek channel.
- Tension cracks near the top of the slope.
- Falling rocks or boulders or flowing or sliding soil. This may precede a much larger landslide.
To report landslide or debris flow indicators, call the 24-hour provincial toll-free number at 1-800-663-3456 or contact your local fire, RCMP or public works department.
Westside Road is closed on Wednesday morning (April 2) due to a landslide, which took place late Tuesday night south of Denison Road.
DriveBC first reported the slide at 10:42 p.m. and around 45 minutes later confirmed the road is closed in both directions and said there's "no estimated time of reopening." The closure of Westside Road is a 14 kilometre stretch from between Browse Road and Bear Creek Trail.
An assessment is in progress with emergency crews on scene. DriveBC states their next update is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Wednesday.
钾旓笍#WestsideRd Closed in both directions due to a landslide south of Denison Rd. No estimated time of reopening.
鈥� DriveBC (@DriveBC) April 2, 2025
鈩癸笍 https://t.co/rPiwpfzQ9U #West麻豆精选 #Westbank #麻豆精选 #BCHwy97 #BCHwy97C #Vernon https://t.co/rVaFKoMt7S
The Central Okanagan Emergency X account also confirmed the closure and said updates will be provided in the morning.
Emergency crews are currently on the scene. We are actively monitoring the situation overnight. Updates will be provided in the morning as soon as more information becomes available at https://t.co/XBeUYmRmBP. Subscribe for further updates. #centralokanaganwest https://t.co/3wu88Bj0hT
鈥� Central Ok Emergency (@CO_Emerg) April 2, 2025
There are no power outages due to the landslide.
Despite being on Westside Road, Lake Country residents took to Facebook Tuesday night, stating they could feel the slide and hear a noise from across Okanagan Lake. Some added the lights in their residence flickered briefly.
Black Press Media will update the situation as it unfolds.
This landslide comes just a few days after Bear Creek Main Forest Service Road was washed out due to flooding.
