By Duane Grandbois

More Sunshine-Less Sandbags: It’s About Time !

Jun 23, 2017 | 3:07 PM

With sunshine and warm weather in the forecast, the Emergency Operation Centre has a few reminders for residents and visitors heading out to enjoy weekend.

Wake-free lake options

Okanagan Lake dropped .4 centimetres to 343.140 metres above sea level overnight, compared to 343.144 metres yesterday morning. While local lakes have declined slowly over the last week, Okanagan Lake remains 66 centimetres above full pool so waves are still a concern. Kalamalka Lake dropped 2.1 centimetres to 392.325 metres above sea level.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy local lakes with wake-free options. Those choosing to use motorized watercraft are urged to be respectful – slow down and keep away from shore so wakes do not cause further erosion or flooding of lakeshore properties. Boaters also need to be cautious about wood debris floating under the surface of the lake and submerged infrastructure.

Visit local municipal and tourism websites to plan your visit to parks, beaches, trails and events across the Central Okanagan this weekend.

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Sandbags

Redeployment of sandbags continues along upland creeks and areas above 343.5 metres in elevation. Crews are removing sandbags from public lands, and when possible from private property, to minimize ecological impact to creeks and streams no longer at risk of flooding.

Property owners along the lakeshore should keep flood protection measures in place and routinely assess and bolster flood protection as needed. Residents can visit www.cordemergency.ca/map to find locations of pre-filled sandbags, sandbags and sand.

Residents’ patience is appreciated while recovery efforts are coordinated. In the meantime, those wanting to drop off their sandbags at their own cost can do so at the following depots:

Kelowna

Cook Road Boat Launch parking lot – Lakeshore Road
Burtch Road – Apple Bowl Parking Lot

West Kelowna

More than 10 sand depots along the lakeshore – visit ca/map for locations

District of Lake Country

Woodsdale Road – Beasley Park Parking Lot

Under no circumstances should sandbags be emptied on beaches or into any creeks, wetland, beaches 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.

Next Public Update

While field crews will continue to work over the weekend, unless conditions change significantly, the next public update is expected on Monday, June 26.

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

by Duane Grandbois