Enderby warns of dangers on unusually high Shuswap River over long weekend

Photo: City of Enderby

People are being urged to exercise caution around the Shuswap River.

The river that flows through Enderby is popular with floaters this time of year, but officials are warning the river is high and dangerous right now.

“The public is cautioned to stay clear of river banks and avoid going on the river in human-powered vessels, such as an inflatable, stand-up paddleboard, kayaks or canoes. The Shuswap River is unseasonably high and fast ... and banks may be unstable,” the City of Enderby officials said in a press release Thursday afternoon.

People floating down the river are a concern under ideal conditions, let alone when the water level is so high.

Closures remain in effect for Riverdale Drive, Kildonan Boat Launch and Tuey Park.

As of June 30 at the upstream hydrometric gauge, the Shuswap River water height is 4.38 metres (14.37 feet) with a discharge rate of 375 cubic metres per second.

That's down from 4.46 metres (14.63 feet) and a discharge rate of 390 m3/s on Wednesday.

Forecast models are predicting the discharge rate is likely to decrease to 355.1 m3/s by Sunday.

The weather forecast is predicted to be sunny and warm Friday and Saturday, with precipitation starting on Sunday and continuing for several days.

The BC River Forecast Centre is maintaining a flood watch over the Shuswap, which includes South Thompson tributaries such as the Shuswap River.

A flood watch means river levels are forecast to rise and will approach or may exceed the river bank. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

Sand and sandbags are available for free at the Public Works Yard at 2308 McGowan St. Bring your own shovel.