By Corey Fischer

Lumby “Greatly Concerned” About Snowpack

Feb 15, 2018 | 1:00 PM

Lumby is taking steps now to try and prevent what could be major flooding problems in the spring.

The village has issued a news release, saying the 131 percent of normal snowpack levels in the Okanagan are a concern, especially in the Aberdeen Plateau, south west of the village.

“The province has advised that a high snowpack increases the probability of flooding,” says the release. “Rainfall is the wildcard in the overall contributors to potential flooding. Mother nature is extremely unpredictable.”

Mayor Kevin Acton says council has written the Regional District of North Okanagan, asking that water be released now to prevent the Grizzly, Haddo and Aberdeen reservoirs from overflowing this spring.

“Lumby is again asking that the RDNO water management team work diligently to ensure the safety of Lumby by releasing water during this time of year and not allowing Grizzly, Haddo and Aberdeen Reservoirs to fill to the point of overflowing,” says Acton. “We are greatly concerned with the current snow pack levels in the Aberdeen Plateau and are wanting to be proactive in response to potential flooding.”

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Acton says the village has ordered 48-thousand sand bags from Emergency Management BC to mitigate potential flooding.

“The Village of Lumby has done everything in its power to be proactive in the past to prevent flooding and the damage it causes. However, we would like to
remind residents that the Province only funds flood response during an actual emergency or flood event.”

Acton reminds property owners it’s their responsibility to protect their property from flooding.

He says the current emergency earthworks from the 2017 flood event will not be altered until the third party assessment is completed and approved by the province.

“A plan to move forward will then be developed by the Village in collaboration with the Province.”

Further information will be posted on the Village of Lumby website at www.lumby.ca

File photo

by Corey Fischer