Lake Flood Watch Maps for Lake Country, Peachland and Westside Road - News Release #43

Localized Flooding May 2017

While the flood focus remains on those people living near Central Okanagan creeks and streams, lakefront property owners are also being advised of the potential of flooding from rising lake waters over the coming week.

To help prepare residents, the Emergency Operations Centre last night published Lake Level Flood Watch Maps for Kelowna, West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation waterfront areas.

Now seven Lake Level Flood Watch Maps are available for waterfront areas adjacent to Okanagan Centre, Carrs Landing, Oyama, the waterfront areas of Peachland and along Westside Road.  Based on current projections, these maps indicate the longer term possibility of flooding due to rising lake levels over the next week or weeks. They can be viewed at www.cordemergency.ca/map 

There has been a steady rise in Okanagan Lake and other smaller lakes across the region.  Area lakes are at or above full pool and are continuing to receive more water and will for some time.  This is a weather driven event and conditions can change quickly.

In addition to the areas indicated on the maps, properties that have historically flooded during high water events or are located in low lying areas near creeks or lakes throughout the region have the potential for flooding. Residents and business owners are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Things to do include:

  • Sign up for e-updates at cordemergency.ca to receive up to date information
  • Sandbag the areas you want protected
  • Remove items from below-ground basements and crawlspaces to higher ground
     

Sand is being constantly replenished. Check cordemergency.ca/map for updated information regarding sand and sandbags.

Before doing any excavating, trenching or clearing on your property to protect it from a flood or clean up after, always call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886 (or go to bconecall.ca) to get natural gas line location details. When you call, indicate it’s an emergency situation and you will be provided with further instruction.

For up to date information on the situation including a map and to sign up for e-updates, visit cordemergency.ca. Information will also be provided via the https://twitter.com/CO_Emerg and https://www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency/ or by phone at 250-469-8490 or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free).