Business as usual despite localized flooding in Osoyoos

OSOYOOS – The unseasonably hot weather is rapidly melting the larger than normal snowpack and has been causing high water and flooding in the South Okanagan.

The Town of Osoyoos hasn’t been immune as the Similkameen River’s high flows have pushed back into Osoyoos Lake causing localized flooding. The lake hit a high point last week with the water dropping somewhat, but the province expects the water to peak again by Friday, May 18.

A key point about the flooding in Osoyoos is it is localized, something Destination Osoyoos executive director Kelley Glazer says has largely affected local homes, as opposed to business and recreational properties.

“The flooding has been very localized, with only two commercial properties affected, the Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel and the Poplars Motel. Lots and lots of accommodation remains unaffected, and all water activities outside of power watercraft can still be enjoyed,” Glazer says.

Lakeshore Drive is one street that has been affected by flooding, but Glazer says the campground and motels along that stretch are mostly located on the other side of the street from the lake, and have not been affected by rising water.

Haynes Point Provincial Park workers hope to be able to open the popular park this weekend, but that will largely depend on Mother Nature, says Destination Osoyoos executive director Kelley Glazer. Steve Arstad

“Lakeshore Drive has some challenges in certain areas but there are lots of campsites that are fully operational,” she says.

Glazer says popular Haynes Point Provincial Park is currently closed to camping, although it remains open to foot traffic.

“They are doing all they can to prepare to open on the weekend. It’s a very popular campsite and I understand they have a lot of reservations. I hope they can open, but we have been told to expect another surge of water by as much as a couple of feet by Friday. Mother Nature is in control of these things,” Glazer says.

Spirit Ridge Campground still has many sites available.

“It’s business as usual. Our shops and wineries are all ready for the May long weekend traffic. We have some groups renting paddling equipment. The beaches are underwater, but there are still access points to the lake along the shore,” Glazer says, adding the lake is dirty but area pools are open.

“It’s just high water. We’re not the only community affected by this, and we aren’t facing the same conditions as Grand Forks,” she says. "Highway 3 was closed for a few days last week, but the problem area has been taken care of and access shouldn’t be a problem."

"Everything is a go.”

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