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Lake level remains stable

Water level much higher than normal, but no longer rising
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JOHN ARENDT HIGH WATER The waterfront path, benches and picnic tables at Peach Orchard Water are in the water as the lake level has risen. The water is now around two metres from the concrete pad at Spirit Square.

While Okanagan Lake is well above its normal level, the water volume has not been changing over the last few days.

On June 8, the lake level was recorded at 343.235 metres, down slightly from 343.24 metres the previous day, but higher than the 343.225 metres on June 6.

Linda Tynan, chief administrative officer for the municipality of Summerland, said the lake level appears to be steady.

“It is expected that if we don’t get a rain event, the impact from the snow melt will not increase the lake level,” she said.

However, municipal crews are continuing to face flood conditions along the lakefront.

On the weekend, crews set up a sandbag dike on Nixon Road, to protect neighbouring properties.

And in other parts of Trout Creek, pumping was needed as high water levels were affecting properties.

“We had lots of water at Lighthouse Landing and on Dale Avenue,” Tynan said.

On Lakeshore Drive towards Crescent Beach, crews have been watching for potential damage to the road.

Parks, beaches and the lakeside walking path remain closed as a result of the high water level.

While the Rotary Walking Pier is still above water, other docks are submerged.

The damage from the high lake level has not yet been determined.

“It’s a bigger project than a lot of people realize,” Tynan said about the repairs from flood damage.

She added that disaster funding is available through the provincial government.

Once the water level has receded, the municipality will apply for funding to repair the damages at its parks and beaches.

Property owners who have had damage from the flooding are also eligible to apply for disaster funding.

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JOHN ARENDT WAVE ACTION Waves crash over the Rotary Walking Pier. The pier and the walking path along the lake have been closed as a result of the high lake level.


John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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