FILE PHOTO - Kearns Creek in Willowbrook was flooding by April 2 last year. This year's late winter has postponed the onset of flood season and infrastructure improvements are expected to help mitigate flood damage in the Willowbrook and Sportsmens Bowl area this year.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

PENTICTON - What a difference a year makes.

Residents north of Oliver were dealing with flooding issues in the Willowbrook and Sportsmens Bowl area by this time last year, but the late end to winter, cooler temperatures and a lack of precipitation in March has moved the flood season forward.

The regional district said in a press release it continues to make preparations in the event of potential flooding this year as provincial agencies work on improvements to drainage infrastructure in the area.

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen manager of emergency services Sean Vaisler says the district has been working cooperatively with provincial agencies, local communities and First Nations as they prepare for potential flooding this year.

Vaisler says the biggest threat so far is the high groundwater levels in the area. There isn’t much storage capacity in the ground for excess water at this point.

Water flow through the area has been good up to now, but Vaisler says the regional district message to those affected by flooding last year is to be prepared.

The Ministry of Infrastructure has completed drainage upgrades on Reed Creek, Tinhorn Creek, Kearns Creek, Park Rill Creek and Victoria Creek, and the work continues.

Residents requiring recovery assistance can contact the regional district emergency operations centre recovery team at 250-490-4225.

Those requiring sandbags to prepare their property for flooding can find assistance at the regional district emergency operation website.

More information on emergency preparedness can be found at this regional district web page.

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