Grizzly Dan spill (Photo credit RDNO)

By Pete McIntyre

Annual dam spilling occurring, Lumby prepares for creek rise

May 23, 2023 | 5:50 PM

Greater Vernon’s water reservoirs can not hold any more water.

The Regional District of North Okanagan said on Tuesday the Grizzly and Aberdeen dams both reached their maximum capacity and are spilling into the Haddo Dam, an annual occurrence.

The Haddo Dam is expected to reach its maximum capacity on Wednesday, May 24, and start spilling into Duteau Creek.

“Dams are designed to spill into the natural waterways once the reservoirs are full to protect against the dam overtopping. This is the normal function of dams and reservoirs, and our staff closely monitor this process,” Zee Marcolin, general manager of utilities for RDNO, said.

The RDNO said people living or working near creeks and streams should be aware that water levels may rise quickly during this time and should exercise caution around the fast-moving water.

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The Village of Lumby issued notice Tuesday afternoon to residents living along Duteau Creek to prepare to protect their property.

“This will result in rapidly rising waters on Duteau Creek over the next 24 to 48 hours. Please prepare your property,” the village stated on its Facebook page.

Marcolin said reservoirs are vital to the health of the community by storing water for use in drier summer months, but they only hold a limited volume.

“In the spring, when the snow melts, the reservoirs commonly reach their maximum water levels and then overflow into the spillways,” she explained. “These spillways are designed to handle the spring runoff and protect the dams while keeping the lake at manageable levels.”