Lake levels are declining in the Okanagan.
Okanagan Lake waters declined 2.1 centimetres from yesterday to 343.08 metres above sea level, 60 centimetres (two feet) above full pool.
Kalamalka Lake declined 1.5 centimetres to 392.266 metres above sea level. Protective measures along the foreshore are expected to stay in place for an extended time due to high lake levels.
Property owners along the lakes should monitor and bolster flood protection as needed. Residents can see online resources to find sandbag pick up locations.
In preparation for the long weekend, crews will begin removing protective measures where safe to do so, along parks and beaches including those within West Kelowna, Peachland and Kelowna.
The public can also help in the recovery effort by utilizing Emergency Management BC (EMBC)’s online app for non-foreshore sandbag pickup locations. This data will be used in the planning and assessment of demobilization of flood protection measures. For more information on the app, or do-it-yourself sandbag drop locations, visit the website.
Under no circumstances should sandbags be emptied on beaches or into any creeks, wetland, beaches or other watercourses as outlined in the Water Sustainability Act.
The impact can destroy fish habitat and affect drinking water, infrastructure, flood control, navigation and recreational activities. Report violations to Natural Resource at 1-877-952-7277, (Option 2) toll-free or #7277 on a cellphone.
Smaller debris on private property, including branches up to two inches in diameter and less than three feet long, can be disposed of in green yard waste bins. Extra yard waste up to 250 kgs can be dropped off for free, year round, at the Glenmore Landfill.