Forest Practices and the Hummingbird Creek Debris Flow

In July 1997 there was heavy rain in the Salmon Arm area. The cumulative precipitation over a nine-month period was the highest recorded in 100 years. During a July 11 rainfall, a large debris flow impacted properties at Swansea Point, a residential area of approximately 150 homes. The debris flow blocked Highway 97A, about 10 kilometres south of Sicamous, and flowed into Mara Lake. It directly impacted homes and structures on several properties resulting in two buildings being destroyed. Debris and changes in groundwater also impacted residential septic fields and water wells at Swansea Point. Extensive scouring and erosion occurred along Swansea Point Road. The debris flow was the largest non-volcanic debris flow recorded in the province.