The lakes are still rising but more residents can return home.
Evacuation orders have been rescinded for all properties affected by flooding on the Okanagan Indian Band Reserve. This includes Meadow Brook Estates, Holiday Park Resort, Turtle Lodges and other properties within the reserve.
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With Okanagan Lake already sitting above full pool, residents are reminded to be prepared for the water to rise even further.
The lake water level (as of Tuesday evening) is 342.74 metres above sea level, which is 23 cm over full pool, according to the Okanagan Indian Band.
“The lake water level has been rising at a fairly consistent rate of four cm per day,” OKIB states in an information bulletin. “The lake level is expected to continue to rise, but will depend on the speed of snow melt at higher elevations.
Temperatures are expected to increase over the next seven days and warmer temperatures at higher elevations will increase snow melt. The Environment Canada forecast for Vernon and Kelowna shows 18 today with a 40 per cent of showers, 20 and mainly cloudy Thursday, 21 Friday, 23 with a chance of showers Saturday and then sunny Sunday with a high of 25 Sunday, sunny Monday (27) and Tuesday reaching 28.
“All residents, including those no longer on order or alert, are reminded to keep sandbags in place until the flood watch event has fully ended,” states OKIB. “Residents with lakefront properties and next to beach edges should not remove the debris along their property, as it can act as a barricade against rising waters and minimize erosion.”
Sand and sand bags are available at Head of the Lake Hall and at the Public Works and Housing office.
The Emergency Operations Centre is reopened and will be running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. The phone number is 250-542-7132.
Those with docks are reminded that if you have a license of tenure/occupation from the province, the dock can be covered under house insurance. If not, insurance will not cover it.
Meanwhile a number of properties were taken off the evacuation order and alert Tuesday evening. Barkley and Brun roads are currently closed, as are Spencer and Bulman roads.
For a map of affected properties visit cordemergency.ca/map
