Protecting the lakeshore

With thundershowers in the forecast for the next couple of days across the Okanagan, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre is deploying new flood protection measures along Okanagan Lake.

"Right now we are working on log booms. We learned last year that they are more effective serving as break waters as opposed to putting structures right on the beach," said Ed Henczel, explaining they slow wave action and allow boaters to stay on the lake.

Henczel says they are currently working on sourcing the log booms and are in talks with Tolko, with plans of placing them near easily erodible sand beaches.

The lake’s level is approaching full pool and as a precaution the EOC is asking boaters to practice low-wake activities and keep their eyes open for debris.

Okanagan Lake is expected to rise to 343 metres, about a half metre above full pool. Residents can check lake levels, and how they compare to last year, here.

Provincial support for flood mitigation has been stretched thin recently with the threat of forest fires looming.

"We are short today, but we have got more on order. We have the replacement crew and an expanding group on-call that are being organized right now. We do have help on the way," said EOC supervisor Doug MacLeod.