Lake Could Go 10-15 CM’s Higher

The latest estimates are that Okanagan Lake could rise another 10 to 15 centimetres before it peaks.

The Central Okanagan Regional District says the lake rose less than a centimetre overnight to 343 metres, putting it over the all time high set in 1948.

Kalamalka Lake is currently above full pool at 392 metres.

Boating on area lakes continues to be discouraged due to the debris hazards, and shoreline erosion caused by boat wake.

“Going into the weekend, residents and visitors to the Central Okanagan are reminded to leave flood protection measures in place and bolster them in preparation for high water and possible windy conditions,” says a release from the regional district. “High lake levels and variable weather conditions are expected to persist for the foreseeable future.”

Lots of snow remaining at higher elevations will cause Mission Creek to reach extremely high flows as it melts, potentially exceeding 100-cubic-metres-per-second in the days ahead.

Properties affected by Tuesday evening’s wind storm should be prepared to weather even worse conditions in the weeks ahead.

“The lake is already 10 cms higher than last Tuesday and could potentially increase another 15 cms over the coming days.”

For more updates, go to www.cordemergency.ca.