Public asked to “help not hinder” flood protection installations

Okanagan lake has risen from yesterday.

A media release sent out today, May 20, says Okanagan Lake is currently six centimeters above full pool at 342.54 meters and is expected to rise.

Emergency crews are undertaking prioritized installation of flood protection measures. Boaters, motorists and pedestrians can help emergency crews by avoiding flood protection worksites.

The release says members of the Canadian Armed Forces, B.C. Wildfire contractors, and municipal staff are working in Green Bay in West Kelowna today. They are installing flood protection measures including work on private property to protect key water, sewer and electrical public infrastructure.

Unless work is required to ensure continuous protection of public infrastructure, measures are the same as what was implemented last year. Sand and sandbag locations are available at the sites show on this map: www.cordemergency.ca/map.

Bladder dams and sandbags are now being redeployed to areas vulnerable to lake flooding.

Boaters are asked to avoid creating wakes near vulnerable shorelines. A boat’s wake can result in damaging wave action that can dismantle or impede flood protection measures. Boaters should stay at least 300 metres away from the shoreline and make no wake.  Boaters are reminded that spring runoff has deposited significant debris in area lakes and to be extra vigilant for hazards.

Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid travelling to flood worksites. Increased traffic and pedestrian congestion impedes emergency personnel from effectively working. Traffic control personnel will turn all but local traffic away from active worksites.

Lake Level Report as of May 20, 2018:

Ellison Lake – 426.63 (full pool – 426.00)
Kalamalka Lake – 391.88 (full pool – 391.82)
Okanagan Lake – 342.54 (full pool – 342.48)

For up-to-date information, including active evacuation alerts and orders across the Central Okanagan, as well as flood-preparedness resources, visit cordemergency.ca.

For municipal information such as water quality advisories, visit:

City of Kelowna
City of West Kelowna
District of Lake Country
District of Peachland
Regional District of Central Okanagan
Westbank First Nation

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