During October and November, Lac des Roches residents have weathered several violent windstorms. Uprooted and broken trees and several loosened tarps are reported to be the extent of the property damage detected thus far. Although power outages have been relatively rare this fall, trees down on a power line, the most common problem, has interrupted several baking projects around the neighbourhood. Neighbours are encouraged to report power outages as they can go unnoticed in a sparsely populated area such as Lac des Roches. BC Hydro offers a new automated callback service, which provides updates to callers who have registered their number during an incident. In addition to sending out a recorded message of updated restoration status, each phone number will be dialed once the power is restored, just in case a residence has a unique power supply problem. This is particularly useful to several residents who have an automatic generator which ensure uninterrupted power as they switch back over to restored power. To report a non-emergency power outage, call 1-888-769-3766.
Critter sightings
With the absence of summer boating traffic on Lac des Roches, several otters have reappeared from the more remote locations around the lake. A pair of playful otters was observed in October swimming in the bay and rolling on a dock near McCarthy Road. The otters are usually easy to spot during the winter months with their dark coats contrasted against the white of the snow and ice on the lake. Many residents claim they haven’t seen otters on the lake although their slide tracks in the snow around the shores are unmistakable evidence of their movement during the winter.
Wolves
Large numbers of wolf tracks spotted last week in the hills north of Lac des Roches explains the scarcity of deer and moose in the area during the current hunting season. Wolves and ungulates rarely share an area and it is quite typical for the presence of several wolves to drive the moose and deer to find more peaceful and less threatening wintering grounds. In past years, wolf packs and paired wolves were a relatively common site on the frozen lake and around the residences. Thankfully, bear bells and loud talking will often push these curious canines back to the forest.
Highway lines
A note of sincere appreciation is sent out to the folks in charge of Highway 24, in both jurisdictions near Lac des Roches. The freshly painted yellow centreline and white sidelines are a welcome safety improvement, especially as they days get shorter and foggy mornings are imminent.