With rain in the longer-term forecast next week for the Central Okanagan, the continued melting of the high elevation snowpack and area lakes at high levels, waterfront property owners and those living nearby along near creeks and streams are encouraged to take steps needed to protect their property.

The High Streamflow Advisory that was issued earlier this week by the BC River Forecast Centre for the Okanagan, including Mission Creek has now ended.  The Centre says creeks have risen and are starting to gradually recede.

While Okanagan Lake is approximately 14 centimeters below full pool.  Property owners living around lakes may wish to protect their docks and other waterfront structures from possible damage resulting from high water levels and wave action.  In an effort to reduce potential waterfront erosion, they may choose to leave any wood debris that has washed up in place.

All boaters and those waterskiing or wakeboarding are asked to help reduce any potential shoreline erosion from waves by keeping speeds and wakes down especially when they are near or approaching the shoreline.  And please stay alert for any potential floating hazards brought into area lakes from the creek runoff.

Information and pamphlets on flood preparedness including a recommended method for sandbag diking are available from the Regional District of Central Okanagan office (1450 KLO Road) and the main City of Kelowna fire hall on Enterprise Way as well as on the Regional Emergency Operation Centre website www.cordemergency.ca and the Emergency Management BC website:  pep.bc.ca/floods/preparedness.html.

Anyone noticing a potential problem or flooding concern in the Central Okanagan is asked to call the Regional Fire Dispatch at: 250-469-8577.  Sandbags are available at local fire halls for any property owner facing imminent danger from flooding.

Two municipalities are providing sand for residents to use in filling sandbags.  The City of Kelowna has stocked sand in the area near the Cook Road Boat Launch while the District of West Kelowna has sand and sandbags available at three locations:  Casa Loma, Green Bay and Whitworth Drive.

Anyone walking near creeks and streams should continue to use caution.  Please keep children and pets safely back from creek banks, which may be slippery or subject to erosion by the higher, swiftly moving water.  As well, please stay alert for possible unexpected rapid increases in creek water levels.

In the event of an emergency and activation of the Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), the latest information will be available online at the EOC Public Information website:  www.cordemergency.ca.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013