UPDATE: Nobody hurt after Westside Road landslide, road remains shut

(UPDATE: April 2 at 12:31 pm): Nobody was hurt in the landslide that has left Westside Road blocked, according to emergency officials.

In a news release published today, the Emergency Operations Centre said the slide occurred at about 9:45 pm last night.

The road remains closed in both directions.

“We expect emergency crews will be released later today, and the site will be turned over to the Ministry of Transportation,” said Sally Ginter, director of the Emergency Operations Centre.

“We appreciate the patience of residents and motorists.”

The centre said the area near the slide was "significantly impacted" by the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire.

Properties in post-wildfire areas, it added, are prone to greater risk of potential debris flow.

Residents living in such areas are urged to watch for changes in vegetation and surface conditions.

The Emergency Operations Centre explained: "The 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."

Residents should watch out for:

• 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.

(Original story: April 2 at 5:28 am): Westside Road is closed in both directions this morning after an overnight landslide.

It occurred late on Tuesday evening south of Denison Road and has shut the route between Browse Road and Bear Creek Trail.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said earlier that crews are at the scene.

The organization explained that the crews will be “actively monitoring the situation overnight” and will provide updates this morning.

DriveBC said drivers should use Hwy 97 instead.

The traffic monitor said it expects an update by noon today.