There's a sense of optimism in the RM of Alonsa, when it comes to the approaching spring. Reeve Stan Asham notes with the province's most recent flood forecast indicating minor to moderate risks of flooding across the province, they feels they're in good shape for the spring melt.

Reeve Stan Asham

"The lake level right now is lower. We've had lower than normal snowfall to date. If this situation continues, the RM council would be very pleased because there'd be little infrastructure damage, and also our residents would be much happier."

Despite the positive outlook, flood forecasters indicated the situation could change drastically, depending on the amount of precipitation over the spring. Asham says if things change, they'd likely implement a state of emergency to allow the local government to construct dikes and culverts to mitigate any impact of flooding. However, he notes that infrastructure must be removed, and the area restored, once the state of emergency is rescinded.

"After the state of emergency is over, these pipes that should be left and will likely be needed for the future, once again need to be removed. It seems you can't get a license for these pipes to remain, because we can't get everyone to sign off."

Asham says the requirement to have all nearby landowners sign off can be a real challenge, especially with instances of landowners not living in the area, citing one example of an area that floods every year.

"We have a rancher flooding out now, and it's every year. One person won't sign off, and it used to be a natural run. That person lives in B.C. and he couldn't care less about this guy up here."

He says infrastructure repairs are required almost every year in that area, because they're not able to keep the mitigation measures in place.

Despite the possibility of conditions changes, Asham's overall optimistic about the situation. He notes the Council's also working closely with the local conservation district, to help focus on keeping drains maintained to ensure water is adequately drained.