Lake Level Peak Still to Come
It’s a phrase often heard during auctions and telethons: “Where are we going?” The response: ‘Higher’.
That’s the case with lakes, creeks and streams across the Central Okanagan during this ongoing weather driven response to flooding.
And in the next week, you can expect to see further increases as the melting snowpack in upper watershed elevations increases with daytime temperatures expected in the low 30’s late this weekend.
Tuesday night’s high winds are a good indication of what we could expect and perhaps more, as Okanagan Lake continues rising. This morning, Okanagan Lake was at the 342.98 metre mark, up three centimetres from yesterday. That’s just two centimetres below the projected 343 metre figure.
In response to this, local governments throughout the region are checking, monitoring and bolstering defences in place to protect critical infrastructure and upland areas. This is what private property owners along water bodies should also be doing. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best!
Sand and sandbags are continually being replenished at locations throughout the Central Okanagan to help those in need. Find detailed information on sand pile locations and information about vulnerable areas throughout the region at www.cordemergency.ca/map.
To check whether a property needs flood protection, go to the Flood FAQs section of www.cordemergency.ca/beprepared. It has directions on how to measure for flood levels and build barriers to the appropriate height to account for both lake level flooding and wave action.
Boating on lakes in the Central Okanagan is still discouraged and everyone appreciates those boaters who have found other pursuits. Shoreline degradation from preventable wave action remains a high priority and concern. For those who must boat, please keep speeds down within 30 metres of the shoreline and watch for potentially dangerous floating and submerged debris.
A reminder that Creekside trails can be dangerous. Recreational users should stay well back as banks can be subject to undercutting and erosion. With the potential for increased snowmelt over the next week, they should also be aware of unexpected rapid increases in creek flows and levels.
Beaches remain closed as emergency crews maintain flood protection barriers. For municipal information such as boat launches, park and beach closures and water quality advisories, visit their websites:
Regional District of Central Okanagan
