Back to SearchCreeks throughout the Central Okanagan are on the rise thanks to the sunshine and high daytime temperatures. While the low and mid-elevation snowpack has pretty much melted the higher than normal upper elevation snow levels are starting their descent.
At the present time there are no areas of concern, however if the warm weather is combined with heavy rains, the risk of above average creek levels and potential flooding could rise.
Local governments and the BC Ministry of Environment continue to monitoring water levels and weather conditions connected to the annual spring runoff and if needed the BC River Forecast Centre will issue advisories, watches and warnings.
In the meantime, Central Okanagan property owners who've had flooding issues in the past should consider protecting their property and reducing the risk of damage from potential flooding.
Those living near creeks, streams and low-lying flood-prone areas and with lakefront properties are responsible for having a plan as well as the tools and equipment necessary to protect their properties from possible flood damage.
Stockpiles of sandbags are available at many local fire halls in the Central Okanagan for residents experiencing a flood on their property. At this time, property owners are responsible for providing their own sand to fill the bags. Information and pamphlets on flood preparedness including a recommended method for sandbag diking are available from the Regional District of Central Okanagan office (1450 KLO Road) and the main City of Kelowna fire hall on Enterprise Way as well as on the Be Prepared page of the Regional District Emergency Program website www.cordemergency.ca and on the Prepared BC website.
Residents should be aware that area creeks are rising and water is flowing faster. At this time of year, please use caution around all local water bodies. People are reminded that water levels may rise unexpectedly and they and their pets should stay safely back from creek banks, which may be slippery or subject to erosion from the spring runoff. Boaters are also advised to be on the look-out for floating debris carried into area lakes from rising and faster flowing tributaries.
In the event of an emergency and activation of the Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), the latest information will be available online at the EOC Public Information website www.cordemergency.ca and via Facebook (www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/CO_Emerg). Central Okanagan residents are encouraged to subscribe on the website to receive email notifications from the Emergency Program.
Useful Advisory, Watch and Warning Definitions from the BC River Forecast Centre
High Streamflow Advisory - means that river levels are rising or are expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
Flood Watch - means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
Flood Warning - means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.
At the present time there are no areas of concern, however if the warm weather is combined with heavy rains, the risk of above average creek levels and potential flooding could rise.
Local governments and the BC Ministry of Environment continue to monitoring water levels and weather conditions connected to the annual spring runoff and if needed the BC River Forecast Centre will issue advisories, watches and warnings.
In the meantime, Central Okanagan property owners who've had flooding issues in the past should consider protecting their property and reducing the risk of damage from potential flooding.
Those living near creeks, streams and low-lying flood-prone areas and with lakefront properties are responsible for having a plan as well as the tools and equipment necessary to protect their properties from possible flood damage.
Stockpiles of sandbags are available at many local fire halls in the Central Okanagan for residents experiencing a flood on their property. At this time, property owners are responsible for providing their own sand to fill the bags. Information and pamphlets on flood preparedness including a recommended method for sandbag diking are available from the Regional District of Central Okanagan office (1450 KLO Road) and the main City of Kelowna fire hall on Enterprise Way as well as on the Be Prepared page of the Regional District Emergency Program website www.cordemergency.ca and on the Prepared BC website.
Residents should be aware that area creeks are rising and water is flowing faster. At this time of year, please use caution around all local water bodies. People are reminded that water levels may rise unexpectedly and they and their pets should stay safely back from creek banks, which may be slippery or subject to erosion from the spring runoff. Boaters are also advised to be on the look-out for floating debris carried into area lakes from rising and faster flowing tributaries.
In the event of an emergency and activation of the Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), the latest information will be available online at the EOC Public Information website www.cordemergency.ca and via Facebook (www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/CO_Emerg). Central Okanagan residents are encouraged to subscribe on the website to receive email notifications from the Emergency Program.
Useful Advisory, Watch and Warning Definitions from the BC River Forecast Centre
High Streamflow Advisory - means that river levels are rising or are expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
Flood Watch - means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
Flood Warning - means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.
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