Flooding Hazard for Okanagan Lake – Waterfront Properties at Risk

 Flooding Hazard – New Protection Planning Level for Okanagan Lake

All historical records for Okanagan Lake are being shattered by this years flooding event and we are not nearly through it yet. As the release below explains there is still 50% of the snow-pack yet to melt and it will join the unprecedented lake levels we are currently experiencing.

The old record of 343.0 from 1948 is now history itself. 

Full pool for Okanagan Lake is 342.48 m that means that if this new prediction comes true that will put Okanagan Lake at just slightly over one full meter above full pool and 1/2 meter above the old record.


Central Okanagan West – The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre, in consultation with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations recommends that residents prepare for an Okanagan Lake level of 343.5 metres by mid June. Residents should also ensure protective measures include an additional buffer for wave action.

The ministry states, “With the‎ ever decreasing snowpack at higher elevations, the rate of rise on Okanagan Lake is slowing down. However, the lake level continues to exceed historic highs, and levels could increase more sharply with a significant rain event. For that reason and for planning purposes, local governments and private property owners should work to protect their properties to a lake level rise of up to 343.5 metres.”

As of Sunday morning, June 4, the level of Okanagan Lake was 343.23m, one centimetre above Saturday morning’s level (as measured by Environment and Climate Change Canada).

This new planning level takes into account that 50% of the upper level snow-pack has yet to melt.

The Emergency Operations Centre will be using the 343.5m level as a planning number for analyzing flood protection measures, assessing potentially vulnerable areas and making adjustments as needed.

Residents should ensure their flood protection measures can withstand the new predicted Okanagan Lake level, with an additional 60 cm buffer for wave action – up to 344.1 metres.

On Sunday, June 4, an additional 200,000 sandbags were brought into replenish supplies. Sandbags may be in tight supply until Tuesday, June 6 when an additional 500,000 will arrive. The slower day to day rise of the lake provides enough time for additional sandbag supplies to arrive. Residents’ patience is appreciated. Residents in need of sand and sandbags can find locations at www.cordemergency.ca/map.

Property owners pumping water from structures should pump into natural areas such as nearby creeks, ditches or lawns.

All Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in place. Visit www.cordemergency.ca/map to search by address to determine if an area is under alert or order.

Residents and visitors are reminded to stay off flood protection measures. Jumping or walking on gabions or water dams is a public safety concern and could damage or undermine the device causing ruptures and significant water flows.

Residents and visitors should find wake-free options to enjoy Okanagan Lake. Respectful operation of watercraft is urged so that boat wakes do not cause further erosion or flooding of lakeshore properties. Boaters also need to be cautious about wood debris floating under the surface of the lake and submerged infrastructure.

For Electoral Area West information such as boat launch, park and beach closures, and water quality advisories, visit their websites:

Keep informed by signing up for e-updates at www.cordemergency.ca, or call the information line at 250-469-8490.

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