Keep your guard up Okanagan, flood threat not entirely over

OKANAGAN – A mainly warm, dry long-range forecast means properties on Okanagan Lake are likely to avoid water levels similar to 2017.

The latest forecast from the Central Okanagan emergency operations centre predicts the big lake will peak at 342.8 metres, 46 centimetres lower than last year.

The prediction is generated by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources and distributed to the operations centres.

Okanagan Lake is currently 342.64 metres, higher than full pool which is 342.48 metres above sea level.

One wildcard is rain and the long-range forecast shows little in the way of precipitation over the next week.

However the other wildcard is heat and continued summer-like temperatures throughout most of next week could also speed up melting of the remaining snow pack.

Despite the easing of the flood threat, emergency operations centres throughout the valley say residents should continue to prepare for high water, similar to last year.

That includes securing docks and make sure boat anchor lines are long enough to withstand rising waters.

Boaters on Okanagan Lake should beware of large and varied debris both on and under the water. Operators have been asked to keep their wake under 30 centimetres.

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