As the spring snow melt begins, the province is urging the public to use extra caution near the Okanagan River due to high water levels.
“Residents and visitors are reminded that the Okanagan River’s deep and fast-flowing current requires heightened safety awareness,” a release from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development reads.
The Ministry is reminding people to use safe water craft and to wear personal flotation devices when going into the river, and to keep children and pets under close supervision when near the river banks.
“This year’s snowpack is expected to cause higher runoff into the Okanagan River from Okanagan Lake for the next several months. River flows between Okanagan Lake and Osoyoos Lake are currently above normal and are expected to remain high throughout spring.”
The water levels of Osoyoos Lake will continue to rise as water is released from Okanagan Lake to prepare for high runoffs.
More information on flood prevention and response is available on the Ministry’s website.
