Okanagan Lake water level continues slow, steady drop

CENTRAL OKANAGAN – Okanagan Lake continues its steady drop towards full pool.

The water level in Okanagan Lake has dropped 1.3 centimetres since yesterday, June 27, but is still 58.7 cm above full pool, according to a Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre media release.

“Most protective measures along the foreshore are expected to stay in place for an extended time, however flood protection removal will occur on public property today,” officials  say.  

In preparation for the Canada Day long weekend, crews will be removing some bladder dams and sandbags on Beach Avenue in Peachland. In West Kelowna, crews will remove bladder dams and lower sandbag levels in parks and public spaces.

“Property owners along the lakes should continue to monitor their flood protection,” Emergency Operations says. “Under no circumstances should sandbags be emptied onto beaches, creeks, wetlands or other watercourses as outlined in the Water Sustainability Act. The impact can destroy fish habitat and affect drinking water, infrastructure, flood control, navigation and recreational activities.”

An online app has been launched to help coordinate sandbag collection.

Sandbag drop off locations and other information is available at the Central Okanagan Regional District Emergecny Operations website. 

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