Concern for foreshore with Okanagan Lake sitting above full pool

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations (EOC) is once again expressing concern over the Okanagan Lake foreshore.

As of 3 am today, the lake was around 13 centimetres above full pool, and the EOC warns that wind, rain or wake from boats has the potential to cause further erosion and damage to waterfront property.

Residents in waterfront and flood-prone areas are urged to continue taking precautions to protect their properties.

“Property owners are responsible for their own property and should ensure docks are secured and that anchor lines are long enough so they don’t snap if water continues to rise,” said Sandra Follack, EOC Coordinator.

“High winds are still in the forecast and we want residents to be prepared.”

With the warm weather finally on its way to the Okanagan, an increased volume of water is expected to flow out of the mountains and into local watersheds.

The EOC is advising people to use care when walking near creeks, as the banks can be slippery and unstable due to erosion.

Once again, the public is also being asked to leave debris that washes up along the lakeshore in place until water levels recede to protect the shoreline from further erosion.

For the same reason, boaters should be mindful of their speed and wake while out on the lake.