1

The newly-constructed dykes held during the high water season of 1935. Farmers returned to the Creston flats. Grain elevators were built in anticipation of the first crop of wheat, and crop yields during the first two years after reclamation were promising.

It appeared that, at long last, reclamation had finally succeeded.

2

Water rises along the dykes. Sandbags are being placed to strengthen the dykes.
June, 1938
Creston Valley, BC

3

It was not to last. Only three years after the dykes had been completed, residents of the Creston Valley anxiously watched, during the early summer of 1938, as the water level of the Kootenay River crept up the dykes.

4

The Goat River channel flooding, 1938
1938
Goat River, south of Creston, BC

5

"The Goat and Kootenay Rivers during the past week have been rising steadily due the warm weather prevailing. The Kootenay River at the ferry late Wednesday evening was 18.2 feet, while the latest report on Thursday afternoon read 19.9 feet."
- Creston Review, May 27, 1938.

"The Kootenay river as recorded yesterday remained the same, while the water levels at Libby, Montana and Bonner's Ferry, Idaho showed a decided drop.
- Creston Review, June 3, 1938.

6

Filling sandbags on the flats.
June, 1938
Creston Valley, BC

7

Sandbags were hurriedly filled...

8

A wall of planks, driven into the ground on the outside of the dykes, to deflect the river's water.
1938
Creston Valley, BC

9

...and placed in rows and stacks along the dykes, in an effort to strengthen the dykes and hold back the rising water.

10

Sandbag wall reinforcing the dyke.
June, 1938
Creston Valley, BC

11

Walls of sandbags became a common sight, as more and more water seeped into the reclaimed areas.

12

Pounding planks vertically into the ground to deflect the river's water away from the dykes.
1938
Creston Valley, BC

13

"All operators in this area have worked day and night for the past two weeks to strengthen the dykes. Landowners and citizens have unhesitatingly given their time and energy in helping to save the dykes."
- Creston Review, June 10, 1938.

14

Flood waters overflow the banks of the river in 1938.
1938
Reclamation Farm, near Creston, BC