Elevated flood risk

Photo: Contributed

Spring-like temperatures and conditions across the Okanagan are causing some residents to worry about flood levels in the region.

Brent Hunt leases property on the east side of Okanagan Lake and he's been on pins and needles for more than a month now. "We just don't want to see it, when all they have to do is let some water out now."

Hunt says fighting last years floods almost killed him and he's worried if the same thing happens this year he might not make it, "we got hit really hard last year. We're in our mid-sixties and we were the youngest people at the sand pile. Thank god for the forestry guys who showed up to help last year, but it's not enough."

The BC River Forecast Centre says snowpack levels in the Okanagan and Similkameen are well above what would be considered concerning in any year.

As of March 1, the Okanagan snowpack was at 141 per cent of normal, which is only exceeded by the Similkameen at 144 per cent.

“Seeing these kinds of numbers, above 120 per cent for us is where we start to get more concerned about elevated flood risk in the spring, and we are well above those numbers right now,” said forecast centre spokesman Dave Campbell.

Campbell notes that doesn't guarantee flooding this year but the risk is elevated.

Brent Hunt hopes the powers that be are paying attention and minding the lake levels, he's now worried about his health, "it was a tough go (last year) and we just want to keep on top of it, if I have another one of those I think I'll have a heart attack."

Dave Campbell, speaking to Castanet says in a La Nina year, like this one, more precipitation will likely fall as spring arrives.

During a typical La Nina year, the snowpack grows by about five per cent between March and April 1.

-with files from Colin Dacre