Shuswap River level still unseasonably high despite weekend decrease

Jul 11, 2022 | 3:05 PM

Though the Shuswap River’s water level decreased over the weekend, the level is still unseasonably high.

The City of Enderby said the upstream hydrometric gauge recorded the river’s water height at 4.02 metres (13.19 feet) with a discharge rate of 314 cubic metres per second Monday.

Those figures are down from the figures recorded Friday when the water height was 4.15 m (13.62 feet) with a discharge rate of 335 m³/s.

Though the water level and flow are down, and more hot, dry conditions are in the short-term forecast, people are being warned to be cautious around the river.

The public is advised to not use human-powered vessels, such as inflatables, kayaks and paddleboards, on the river, as the current conditions can create unpredictable and dangerous hazards.

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The Shuswap River Ambassadors state on Facebook that the fast-moving murky water has increased the amount of debris along with sweeper and log jams, which can increase the chance of drowning, vessels popping, and people being sucked under.

People are advised to be cautious near river banks as well, especially when with children, weak swimmers and pets.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre’s High Streamflow Advisory remains in place, and while there is still a potential risk of rising water and localized flooding, the City of Enderby Emergency Operations Centre is standing down from its Level 1 activation.

The situation will continue to be monitored, but the City will not be putting out regular situation reports unless there are major changes.

The Kildonan Boat Launch and Tuey Park remain closed at this time, though the City stated that both locations are expected to reopen in the near future.

A sandbagging station remains available at the Public Works Yard at 2308 McGowan Street. People are reminded to bring their own shovels to fill the bags.

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by Liam Verster

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