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Okanagan, Shuswap boaters asked to slow down, lessen wakes as water levels remain high

Click to play video: 'Rising water levels damage Kelowna, B.C. property'
Rising water levels damage Kelowna, B.C. property
Water levels have been steadily rising over the past few weeks around the Okanagan. The high water continues to impact nearby residents and causing damage to their property. Jasmine King has more. – Jun 23, 2022

With the first weekend of summer nearing and hot weather in the Okanagan and Shuswap forecast, expect to see a sudden increase in the number of boats on local lakes.

But boaters are asked to be mindful of wakes when nearing the shore.

Both the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) and Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) say with water levels rising, any wind, rain or wakes from boats has the potential to cause further erosion and damage to waterfront property and structures.

“The public is asked to leave debris washing up along the lakeshore in place until water levels recede to protect the shoreline from further erosion,” said the RDCO.

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“Boaters are also asked to be mindful of their speed and wake to prevent property damage along the shoreline.”

Okanagan Lake is currently at 342.608 metres, above its full-pool level of 342.48 metres. Shuswap Lake is currently at 348.864 metres and is heading towards a projected peak of 349.1 metres.

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In 2018, Shuswap Lake reached a dangerously high level of 349.141 metres.

Click to play video: '‘It will continue rising for at least another week,’ emergency officials watching rising water levels in Okanagan Lake'
‘It will continue rising for at least another week,’ emergency officials watching rising water levels in Okanagan Lake

Notably, the CSRD says Shuswap Lake does not have a full-pool level, as there is no dam, and that the lake can flood at different heights because of varied topography.

The RDCO also reminded waterfront property owners to take precautions.

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“Property owners are responsible for their own property and should ensure docks are secured and that anchor lines are long enough so they don’t snap if water continues to rise,” said Sandra Follack, Central Okanagan regional emergency program coordinator.

“High winds are still in the forecast and we want residents to be prepared.”

Click to play video: 'Okanagan snowpack 153% of normal as freshet continues'
Okanagan snowpack 153% of normal as freshet continues

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