Kelowna

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

The High Streamflow Advisory for Mission Creek has ended.

BC River Forecast Centre ended the advisory as creek flow and level dropped over the past 24 hours.

The Central Okanagan Regional Emergency Program is still urging residents to stay safely back from the edge of local creeks and streams.  Creek banks could be slippery due to the recent high water levels and in some places, may have sustained erosion and undercutting.

The Mission Creek Greenway will be completely open for use after 3:30 this afternoon (Wednesday).  Regional Parks Services is making minor trail surface repairs to the section along Phase 2 between the Cedars (2nd) bridge and the Smoothing Stones (3rd) bridge.  As well, the recreational trail underpasses at the Gordon Drive and Casorso Road bridges will be accessible once again, now that creek water levels are dropping.   The underpass to access a trail on the south side of the Gordon Drive Bridge will remain closed until creek levels drop further.
 
A property in the 11,200 block of Highway 33 near the Three Forks Bridge crossing of Mission Creek that was flooded will continue to be monitored as the creek recedes or conditions change.
 
Bruce Smith, the RDCO Communitcations officer, says property owners in low lying areas near creeks and streams should continue to protect their properties from potential flooding until water levels return to seasonal norms. 

"Be aware that any heavy rainfall could once again result in rapid increases in creek levels and flows."
 
Anyone noticing a potential problem or flooding concern in the Central Okanagan is asked to call the Regional Fire Dispatch at: 250-469-8577.  Sandbags are available at local fire halls for any property owner facing imminent danger from flooding.
 
Boaters on all central Okanagan lakes are asked to keep their speeds and wakes down to prevent possible shoreline erosion.  Please be aware of floating debris in area lakes due to the recent high stream-flows.
 
In the event of an emergency and activation of the Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), the latest information will be available online at the new EOC Public Information website.