Mill Creek
(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)
May 17, 2020 - 10:54 AM
Kelowna creeks had high waters this morning, which wasn’t unexpected, according to the City of Kelowna.
The city warned of higher water levels around the Idabel Lake and McCullouch Lake Reservoir and associated spillways in a press release issued Friday, May 15.
“The spillways are designed to handle the excess flows and ensure that water levels are managed within the design of the dams,” saId Brad Stuart, water supply and pump stations supervisor, in the press release. “Dam spilling can occur in the spring as the snowpack melts. However, these spillways haven’t been utilized in the past few years, so we just want residents in the area to be aware and not to be alarmed.”
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Once water moves into spillways, residents will start to see higher and faster volumes of water moving through the area. Those living or working near creeks and streams should exercise caution around fast-moving water, according to the news release.
Mill Creek
(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)
While staff will be monitoring the area, if anyone notices buildup of debris or backups of culverts under roads, especially in the Idabel Lake area, they are asked to contact the city at 250-469-8600 or submit a service request online as blockages have the potential to cause localized flooding.
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In Lake Country, Mayor James Baker said mitigation work had been done on the Vernon Creek bed to prevent flooding, so he wasn’t concerned about it overflowing its banks this weekend.
A high streamflow advisory has been issued for most of the Interior.
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