Lake levels, creek flow & flood protection continues – Jun 3 17 – EA West
Here is the latest release for lake and flooding conditions affecting our communities. Please exercise caution when near creeks or streams as dangerous conditions exist near fast running water in already swollen stream beds. Keep your distance. Large debris such as trees, rock and mud can let loose from further upstream and will overwhelm pretty munch anything in its path.
Caution should also be exercised with pooled water and ditches. During flooding events such as we are experiencing. When the ground is saturated, septic run off will most likely be present in any surface water. Septic fields will not be able to function as the water has nowhere to go but the surface where it will be mixed with the flood waters. This is a potential health hazard and should be avoided whenever possible. These are not rainwater puddles by any stretch of the imagination. Try to use your water sparingly to avoid flooding your septic field.
Central Okanagan West, B.C. – Okanagan Lake has risen 2.8 centimetres since yesterday morning to 343.22 metres. No significant weather event is expected today.
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.
Flood activity efforts today will focus on assessing current flood prevention measures and continuing to bolster vulnerable areas. 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.
Residents and visitors are reminded to stay off flood protection measures. Jumping or walking on gabions, sandbags 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 lake-shore properties. Boaters also need to be cautious about wood debris floating under the surface of the lake and submerged infrastructure. Killiney Beach Park & Boat Launched are closed until further notice.
For municipal information such as boat launch, park and beach closures, and water quality advisories, visit their websites:
- City of Kelowna
- City of West Kelowna
- District of Lake Country
- District of Peachland
- Regional District of Central Okanagan
- Westbank First Nation
Keep informed by signing up for e-updates at www.cordemergency.ca, or call the information line at 250-469-8490.
