Penticton plans for flood potential on two local creeks

Higher than normal snowpack levels and the prospect of flooding along Ellis Creek has the City of Penticton taking a proactive approach during the spring freshet.

The City of Penticton announced plans today, April 17, to address expected high water issues along Ellis Creek as the emergency operations centre monitors snowpack levels and water flows.

Sandbags are being prepared for use at bridges, culverts and along the top of the creek bank at selected locations, according to a City of Penticton media release. The City is also making plans to ensure crews can act swiftly and effectively under COVID-19 protocols.

City staff are also monitoring Penticton Creek water flow with daily and nightly inspections planned for known trouble spots along the creek.

Okanagan Lake is not expected to flood this year as the province has been steadily lowering the lake level in anticipation of a high snowpack, the City said.

“Ellis Creek has been identified as a potential flood location and we are ready to respond proactively. If you are a resident of Penticton and have experienced flooding in recent years, especially along Ellis Creek, it’s time to start planning now,” Penticton Fire Chief Larry Watkinson said.

Residents along both creeks are being warned by the City of the potential for flooding. In areas where bank erosion could be an issue residents are being asked to move personal items away from the river banks.

A self-serve sandbag facility has ben set up at No. 2 firehall at 285 Dawson Ave. for people to fill their own bags.

A warning has also been issued to residents to keep a safe distance away from the creeks as water volumes increase.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to tips@infonews.ca and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.