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Salmon Arm  

Flood situation stabilizing, but water levels still running high in Shuswap

Flood situation stabilizing

The flood situation in the Shuswap has started to stabilize, but closures and advisories remain in place for the time being.

The City of Enderby said Monday afternoon the Shuswap River water height is 4.54 m (14.90 feet) with a discharge rate of 405 m3/s. For comparison, on Friday, the Shuswap River water height was 4.74 m (15.55 feet) with a discharge rate of 444 m3/s

“Hot, dry conditions are forecast for today with the risk of strong thunderstorms and 5 mm of precipitation for tomorrow afternoon,” said the city in a news release.

Forecast models are predicting that the Shuswap River discharge rate will begin to slightly increase throughout the week. Closures remain in effect for Riverdale Drive, Kildonan Boat Launch, and Tuey Park.

Residents are also being reminded of a planned water quality advisory for June 28-29 due to water main repair work. During this time, individuals with weakened immune systems or wishing for more protection may want to boil their water.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District, meanwhile, said in a statement Monday it is watching Shuswap Lake levels as they start to hopefully recede.

“While the levels of local lakes and rivers have begun to stabilize, a Flood Watch is being maintained by the BC River Forecast Centre for Shuswap Lake due to continued potential for heavy rainfall in the coming days,” CSRD said.

“Positive news on the flooding front is snowmelt risks appear to be subsiding, as the snowpack has diminished,” the regional district continued.

“The weather over the next few days will be critical in seeing whether lake levels will rise further or will start to decline. The Shuswap Emergency Program is reminding residents in flood-prone areas to be aware of the weather patterns, as any rain could increase river flows and push lake levels higher.”



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