The province has issued a caution to residents to be wary when near the Okanagan River as the runoff from spring melt continues to increase the river's water level and flow. Credit: Wikimedia commons

High, fast water prompts Okanagan River warning

PENTICTON – The province is warning the public to beware of the Okanagan River as water levels rise in the valley.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations issued a notice today, April 13, advising the public to use caution when near the Okanagan River due to high water levels and fast-flowing current.

Adults are advised to keep children and pets under close supervision at all times when near the river’s edge, in addition to taking further precautions such as use of a personal floatation device if going into the river.

A higher runoff into the river is anticipated this year with the Okanagan Valley snowpack above normal this year.

River flows between Okanagan Lake and Osoyoos are currently above normal and are expected to remain high for the next several weeks.

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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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