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Reservoirs overflow

Summerland’s reservoirs are full to overflowing as an above average snow pack continues to melt.

Summerland’s reservoirs are full to overflowing as an above average snow pack continues to melt.

At present, however, flooding, which is a concern in other parts of the Okanagan Valley, has not been observed in Summerland.

Since March, the snow pack levels have been at or above the long-term average levels.

At present, the level is 101 per cent of normal at Summerland Reservoir and 110 per cent of normal at Isintok Lake.

At Summerland Reservoir, a snow depth of 377 millimetres was recorded at the beginning of the month.

This  is the equivalent of 129 millimetres of water.

At Isintok Lake, the snow level was 436 millimetres or the equivalent of 150 millimetres of water.

Dan McMillan, the chief operator of the water treatment plant, said there have been no flooding problems observed, even though the Thirsk Dam is now spilling.

“But we are preparing for it,” he added. “We want to make sure we’re ready for anything that comes down.”

Crews already have done some sandbagging work near the intake area.

If the spring temperature rises gradually, flooding will not be a problem in the area, he said.

He added that the cool evenings are keeping the snow pack from melting too quickly.

 



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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