FLOOD WATCH 2017: Penticton prepares for weather change on Okanagan Lake

PENTICTON – A change in the weather means a new flooding threat on Okanagan Lake Beach in Penticton.

City of Penticton spokesperson Mark Parker says a weather front coming into the valley this afternoon, May 23, is delivering strong south winds that are expected to shift to the north, which will compound flooding possibilities from Okanagan Lake from wave action over the next couple of days.

The City has installed two emergency dams along the lakeshore. One of the orange, water filled bladders is in place at the SS Sicamous towards the river channel, and the other is sitting in front of the Kiwanis Pier east of Penticton Lakeside Resort.

Parker says the lake level forecast from the Regional District predicts the water will peak on May 28 at 342.05 metres, or about 15 centimetres higher than today.

The Penticton Fire Department is monitoring water levels and residents threatened by flooding should call 911 if they feel there lives are in danger, he says.

Penticton chief administrative officer Peter Weeber has cautioned residents and tourists to avoid the River Channel and other fast moving waterways due to strong currents and undertows. He also has advised citizens to keep back from potentially unstable riverbanks, noting rescue would be very difficult for anyone falling in.

Despite the warnings, several channel floaters could be seen on Saturday.

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