The international organization overseeing the management of Osoyoos Lake levels has declared drought conditions for the lake which means water levels will be raised in a bid to capture as much spring runoff as possible for what is expected to be a long hot dry summer ahead.
The historical low level of Osoyoos Lake won’t see the normal April 1 boost after the announcement today by the International Joint Commission (IJC), which granted a temporary operational variance allowing for lower levels than seasonal norms would enable.
In response to drought conditions on both sides of the border the International Joint Commission (IJC), responsible for overseeing issues related to Osoyoos Lake, has approved a request for a temporary variance to how Osoyoos Lake levels are managed this summer.
Osoyoos Lake levels , which remained “very low” for much of the 2024-2025 winter due to low precipitation in the Okanagan basin, are now being deliberately raised in preparation for summer according to the International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control (IOLBC).
An informational sign at Pioneer Walkway near the Memorial Fountain was vandalized last week with the sign ripped from its foundation, and ending up on the beach below. The sign – originally paid for by the International Joint Commission (IJC) which is responsible for transboundary issues regarding Osoyoos Lake – commemorates cooperation between Canada and the US on water issues in the lake.
