Kootenay Lake water levels peaking, but floods are unlikely if weather holds
By Colin Payne
If the weather holds up over the next few weeks the West Kootenay may get a break from the massive spring flooding and resulting damage that’s happened in the past couple of years.
RDCK Emergency Program Coordinator, Noreen Clayton says that while lake levels are just about at their peak, they are unlikely to reach flooding levels unless there is a severe rain event in the near future.
Clayton says BC Hydro is predicting that lake levels at Queens Bay, where they are regularly measured, will likely peak at 1751 feet on June 8 “On the West Arm, about 20 properties are impacted at 1752 feet,” Clayton notes.
“Last year the levels went up to 1753 (feet) with all the rain and we had a lot of properties impacted as well as marinas.”
But with not rain in sight for the weekend and hot weather predicted, along with snow packs that have already experienced significant melting, Clayton says the region might be in the clear for the time being.
“They’re saying the lake level is going to peak next week, so that’s good news,” she notes. “It’s all OK if we don’t get a big storm, and so far there’s nothing in the forecast.
“With climate change, there tend to be unpredictable events that are quite intense, so there’s always a caveat that things can change. But right now it’s all manageable.”
Massive flooding from heavy rains and the landslide in Johnson’s landing in July of 2012 caused significant damage throughout the area and cost the RDCK about $2 million for cleanup.
Last year (2013) saw several creeks blow out in the northern part of the RDCK, near Kaslo and Lardeau contributing to major damage in the region.
Be careful around moving water
While things may be a bit on the tame side when it comes to water levels so far this spring, Clayton adds that people should always be careful when around moving water at this time of year.
“Things can change so fast at this time of year, so people have to be careful around creeks and rivers,” Clayton said.
“They can run really high and be really dirty.”
She adds that if people do come across a creek that seems to be overly dirty, it’s a sign that there may be instability above and they should report it to the Ministry of Environment using a toll-free number, 1-800-663-3456.
If water levels do start to rise, and people feel their homes are being threatened, sand bags are available from the RDCK to protect houses.
Clayton adds that boater should also be careful of floating debris in lakes and minimize any wakes near shoreline.
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