The RDOS says its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is monitoring “overland flooding” near Road 22 north of Osoyoos in Electoral Area A (Rural Osoyoos). When the Times Chronicle was on the scene at around noon today (June 16) water from the oxbows west of the Okanagan River Canal was washing across Rd 22 and into a recently planted field.
High water volumes in the canal are creating a raging torrent through the flood control gates as water levels rise on the canal banks. The RDOS said it is working with provincial partners and Aim Roads to assess and respond.
The regional district says it will continue to update its website with the latest information and said sand and sandbags are available at Oliver Fire Dept., 369 Similkameen Ave.
Area residents told the Times Chronicle that they are keeping a sharp eye on the water levels, fearing a repeat of a number of years ago when human error was attributed to massive flooding of the farms located on Rd. 22 resulting in large financial losses due to crop damage.
Water flooding across Rd. 22 as of noon June 16. Don Urquhart photo
A tree lodged in the Okanagan River Canal flood control gate south of Road 22 on June 16. Don Urquhart photo.
High volumes of water can be seen passing through the Okanagan River Canal flood control gate at Road 18 on June 16. Don Urquhart photo.
