Notice to Take Pre-Cautions Due to Okanagan Lake High Water Levels and Mission Creek Flooding

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated due to rising water levels in creeks and streams and flowing into Okanagan Lake. A local state of emergency was declared for the City of Kelowna on June 14.

Okanagan Lake has not peaked, but reached full pool on June 17. Unsettled weather is forecasted in the coming days and crews will continue to monitor creek, river and lake levels.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations recommends that property managers with waterfront and flood-prone areas take pre-cautions, as any wind, rain, or wake from boats has the potential to cause further erosion and damage to waterfront property and structures.

Recommended precautions include:

• Review the Prepared BC Flood Preparedness Guide on what to do before, during and after a flood and make a plan.

• Ensure docks are secured and that anchor lines are long enough so they don’t snap if water continues to rise.

• Boaters are asked to be mindful of speed and wake to prevent property damage along the shoreline.

• Encourage staff and guests to use care when walking near creeks as banks can be slippery and unstable and subject to erosion.

• Leave debris washing up along the lakeshore in place until water levels recede to protect the shoreline from further erosion.

• Get sandbags, which are now available for Peachland, West Kelowna, and Joe Rich areas.

• Call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

Details & Updates

For the most up to date information, visit the Emergency Details & Update page or CORDEmergency.ca.

Information will also be provided via twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDEmergency.

For tourism related questions, concerns, or challenges, feel free to connect with TOTA's Crisis Communications Coordinator by emailing CrisisMgmt@TOTABC.com.