Public urged to use caution around creeks during annual dam spilling

The annual spilling of water reservoirs used by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has started, and that means higher levels on some local creeks.

According to the RDNO, the spilling is a normal process of dams and reservoirs, and their staff is closely monitoring the process which has drawn criticism in the past from the Villiage of Lumby due to high levels it creates in Duteau Creek.

“The RDNO has multiple dams which function to hold water in reservoir lakes before the water makes its way to the treatment facilities and then to your tap,” a news release from Ashley Gregerson, communications officer with RDNO, said. “Reservoirs are vital to the health of our 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. These spillways are designed to handle the spring runoff and protect the dams while keeping the lake at manageable levels.”

RDNO said Greater Vernon Water’s Grizzly Dam has reached its maximum capacity and is spilling into Haddo Dam. Haddo dam is expected to reach its maximum capacity today and start spilling into Duteau Creek.