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Okanagan Lake levels slowly dropping

Okanagan Lake level dropped 1.3 centimetres from yesterday and is now at 343.067 above sea level
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Lakes levels across the Okanagan are continuing to drop, but they’re still measuring way above normal for this time of year.

In the latest Central Okanagan Emergency Operations press release, staff report that Okanagan Lake level dropped 1.3 centimetres from yesterday and is now at 343.067 above sea level. Kalamalka Lake has declined .9 centimetres from yesterday and is now at 392.257. As Okanagan Lake is still 58.7 centimetres above full pool, 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.

“In preparation for the long weekend, crews will be working to remove the bladder dam and some of the sandbags on the waterfront on Beach Avenue in Peachland,” reads the release.

“In West Kelowna, crews will be working to remove bladder dams and lower sandbag levels in parks and public spaces.”

Removal of flood protection measures is occurring in public areas, areas no longer vulnerable to wave action and where beach elevation is higher.

Property owners along the lakes should continue to monitor their flood protection. Residents can visit www.cordemergency.ca/map to find sandbag drop off locations. 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. Report violations to Natural Resource at 1-877-952-7277, (Option 2) toll-free or #7277 on a cellphone.

The public can also help in the recovery effort by utilizing Emergency Management BC online app for non-foreshore sandbag pickup locations. The data will be used in the planning and assessment of flood protection demobilization measures. For more information on the app, or do-it-yourself sandbag drop locations, visit www.cordemergency.ca/beprepared/flood-recovery.

Smaller debris on private property, including branches up to 2 inches in diameter and less than three feet long, can be disposed of in green yard waste bins. Extra yard waste up to 250 kgs can be dropped off for free, year round, at the Glenmore Landfill. Refer to the Regional District’s website for additional yard waste guideline information.

For beach water quality updates, visit the Water Samples page on www.interiorhealth.ca.

For municipal information such as available boat launches, parks and beaches, plus water quality advisories, visit municipal websites.

For more information, visit www.cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates or call the information line at 250-469-8490.

For municipal information such as boat launch, park and beach closures, and water quality advisories, visit each area’s website.