Posted on: May 15, 2017
Flood update: Leave beach debris in place
Attention is shifting to Okanagan Lake levels, as unstable weather remains in the forecast and considerable amounts of upper level snowpack have yet to melt.
As of late Sunday afternoon, Okanagan Lake was measured at 342.65 metres, or 17 centimetres above full pool – 35 centimetres below the flood mark. If water reaches the 343.0 metre level, low lying areas adjacent to the lake will flood and creeks such as Mission and Mill will begin to backflow causing them to potentially spill their banks.
Lake level flood watch maps have been posted at www.cordemergency.ca/map. Residents living in the pink areas of these maps should be prepared for potential flooding.
The hope is that normal temperatures with little to no precipitation will prevail, creating a more gradual filling of the lake, to allow time for water to drain in the coming days and weeks. While officials hope for the best, preparations for flooding are ongoing. Emergency officials are considering plans for the possible deployment of portable bladder dams to act as protective flood barriers as needed.Boaters are reminded that lake levels are high and they should watch for floating debris as a significant amount has been flowing downstream into area lakes.
Boaters should also keep their distance from shorelines and if possible keep speeds down as additional wave action could cause disturbance to banks and beaches.
All existing sandbags should be left in place.
Additionally, lakeside residents should keep debris in place along the shore to barricade against rising waters and wave activity and guard against erosion.
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