The BC River Forecast has indicated there is the potential for Okanagan Lake to increase to 343.15 metres. Environment Canada reported Okanagan Lake reached 343.05 metres at 11:25 a.m. on May 27. This is a five centimetre rise since May 26 at 4 a.m. when the lake level was reported as 343 metres.
Residents and visitors to Vernon are reminded to leave flood protection measures in place and bolster them in preparation for high water and possible windy conditions. High lake levels and variable weather conditions are expected to persist for the foreseeable future. Residents are reminded that this is a weather driven event and things will continue to evolve with the weather. A sudden change in weather could increase the risk of flooding.
The City of Vernon is continuing to monitor rising lake levels. For more information, please visit the Government of Canada’s website. The increase of lake levels being reported out by various agencies will depend on what time period is being used to report out on.
Sandbags and sand for emergency flooding can be picked up at the following locations:
- Outside Operations main entrance off of Pleasant Valley Rd
- 4005 Pleasant Valley Rd
- Corner of Okanagan Ave and Okanagan Landing Rd (across from Marshall Fields)
- Okanagan Hills Blvd and Bella Vista Rd. intersection (entrance to the Rise community)
- 8974 Okanagan Landing Road
Powerboats are not recommended on Okanagan or Kalamalka Lake during high water levels because of the risk of damage to shoreline, private property and infrastructure from boat wakes. Boat propellers can also be damaged by the high level of debris in the water.
For up-to-date information, please visit www.vernon.ca/emergency.