Shuswap Lake water level still rising

Jun 17, 2022 | 4:11 PM

The water level of Shuswap Lake is getting closer to the all-time high.

As of 7:45 a.m. Friday, June 17, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) reported the lake level was at 348.43 metres.

That marks an increase of 0.09 m over the past 24 hours.

The highest water level on record for the lake was 349.66 m in 1972. In 2012, the peak was recorded at 349.588 m, and the high water level in 2018 was 349.141 m.

A flood watch remains in place in the CSRD, and the Shuswap Emergency Program is advising residents to monitor the situation and be safe around the water as creek and lake levels continue to rise. People are also being advised to closely supervise children and pets.

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The CSRD note that more precipitation is expected over the weekend and that, coupled with the delayed snow melt, may create a risk of water levels rising further and localized flooding.

People are also advised to protect their properties, and sand and sandbag stations are open at 22 sites around the Shuswap.

Sand and sandbag stations in the CSRD (graphic courtesy of the CSRD)

The Emergency Operation Centre is operational in the CSRD and will remain open over the weekend to provide assistance to residents in need.

Residents are also encouraged to sing up for Alertable, the CSRD’s emergency notification system, so they can receive important updates and information immediately.

The CSRD has also brought in crews from the B.C. Wildfire Service who have been placing sandbags around critical infrastructure, mainly in the Salmon Arm and District of Sicamous areas. The crews are on standby and will be dispatched to assist locations at risk as needed.

Boaters on the lake are advised to be vigilant as there may be debris hazards in the water.

by Liam Verster

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