The mayor of Cache Creek says there is concern for potential flooding again this year during the spring freshet.

Santo Talarico says the last two years of flooding have shown a need to be vigilant and for the village to be prepared.

“We are having a sandbagging work bee on April 13th from 10 to 3, and approximately 4,000 sandbags is what we hope to fill to be ready for a potential situation. As well, we’re hoping to stockpile some rip and rap and be proactive in that regard, having those at a site that we can gain access to very quickly,” Talarico says.

There were at least three mudslides just north of Cache Creek yesterday, according to the highway maintenance contractor Interior Roads, which caused partial road closures between the community and the Village of Clinton.

Talarico points out the area is more susceptible to flooding due to the Elephant Hill wildfire two years ago.

“The soil isn’t as stable and able to absorb moisture like it used to be, pre-2017 wildfires. We had cases in our area over the weekend that just highlighted the fact that we have to be diligent, and be out there looking at culverts and any areas that might be of concern to us,” he says.

“Our crews were out on the weekend, and they’re doing a stand-up job of ensuring that we’re protecting properties along the way.”

(Photo: Twitter: @IRT162)