Now 14 cm over ‘full pool’
Photo: Ed Burke
Emergency officials in the Okanagan are advising waterfront property owners to be vigilant as lake levels continue to rise.
Okanagan Lake is now 14 centimetres over the “full pool” target and is expected to creep higher. Thankfully, inflows into the lake, like Mission Creek, are slowing and that rise is starting to taper off.
But with the lake as full as it is, wind or boat wakes have the potential to cause erosion and damage to the foreshore and docks.
“Property owners are responsible for their own property and should ensure docks are secured and that anchor lines are long enough so they don’t snap if water continues to rise,” says Sandra Follack, Central Okanagan Regional Emergency program coordinator. “High winds are still in the forecast and we want residents to be prepared.”
Residents are also being advised to be careful near creeks, which are still flowing quickly and may have unstable banks.
Debris along the lakeshore should remain in place until water levels recedes to protect the shore from erosion.
“Preparedness is key is any emergency; including a flood. Get Prepared BC has a complete list of tips on what to do before, during and after a flood,” said emergency officials in a news release.
Locations for sand and sandbags can be found at cordemergency.ca/map. Sand and sandbag locations are now available for Peachland, West Kelowna and Joe Rich areas.
You can track Okanagan Lake levels on Castanet here.
Photo: Castanet Staff
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