File photo of Shuswap Lake in 2022. (Photo credit: Columbia Shuswap Regional District)

By Pete McIntyre

Flood watch

Shuswap Lake levels showing rapid increase

May 16, 2023 | 4:30 PM

Officials say the levels of Shuswap Lake are rising rapidly.

An update Tuesday from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District said the spike is due to the hot weather accelerating the snow melt and the rate of run-off from rivers, streams and creeks.

“The Shuswap Emergency Program is monitoring water levels closely, as there may be potential for the lowest-lying properties to see some flooding in the coming weeks,” a news release from the CSRD stated.

The regional district said the sudden jump in temperatures may also produce an earlier than usual peak on Shuswap Lake, possibly by the end of May or early June.

“Last year, the lake peaked quite late, with the high-water mark not being reached until early-July,” the news release said.

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It is a different story for the Salmon River, with levels dropping and forecast to decline further in the coming days.

“Some high-water issues remain for properties surrounding the Salmon River due to high temperatures increasing the rate of snow melt from higher elevations,” the CSRD said.

The Shuswap Emergency Program is not anticipating any significant issues in the larger rivers unless an unforeseen rainstorm brings heavy precipitation into the area.

People are reminded to be safe near fast-running water or flooded areas; to stay well back from creek banks, as water flow rates are intense enough to easily overwhelm even strong swimmers. Children and pets should always be supervised.

Boat operators are reminded that spring run off increases the level of debris in local lakes. Slow down and use extreme caution when boating to avoid collisions with logs or branches.