Okanagan Lake rose to 342.87 metres, which is over the 1990 lake flood level, according to a release late Monday by Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.
This year’s projected peak is 343 metres. With projected wave action, the lake is expected to rise to 343.6 metres.
“Officials observed that many at-risk lakefront properties lack adequate foreshore protection to this level,” the emergency operations release said.
Warm temperatures are expected to melt the snowpack quickly over the next two to three days.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the central and south Okanagan including Kelowna and Penticton.
A ridge is building over the southern interior of B.C. and will remain in place Monday and Tuesday.
The warm weather will accelerate snowmelt and lead to rising rivers, possibly causing concerns related to flooding.
Strong winds forecast to begin Tuesday evening and overnight will come from the southwest at 40-60 km per hour adding a further risk factor for lake front properties due the wave action expected to batter the foreshore.
Thunderstorms forecast for late Tuesday and into Wednesday will add to streamflows.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for the Okanagan, including Mission Creek.
People should stay back form creek banks which are unstable at this time.
Kalamalka Lake is rising an average of two centimetres a day.
Emergency officials said lakefront residents should protect their properties by building adequate sandbag barriers.
Sandbagging stations are stocked and replenished daily at several locations throughout the Okanagan.
Visit the Central Okanagan Regional District website for locations.
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