View of Columbia River from downtown Trail on March 7. (Sheri Regnier photo)

View of Columbia River from downtown Trail on March 7. (Sheri Regnier photo)

Big drop expected on river shores near Trail

Changes to water discharge rates are due to coordination agreements with the Columbia River Treaty

River levels in Trail are expected to drop by almost six feet this weekend.

Mary Anne Coules from BC Hydro says outflows from the Arrow Lakes Reservoir were decreased over two days due to Columbia River Treaty coordination agreements.

Read more: Treaty talks wrap up in Washington, D.C.

Early Friday, the discharge rate went from approximately 1,303 cubic metres per second (46,000 cubic feet per second) to about 878 cubic metres per second (31,000 cubic feet per second).

Further, the discharge rate was decreased from approximately 878 cubic metres per second (31,000 cubic feet per second) to about 496 cubic metres per second (17,500 cubic feet per second) on Saturday morning.

“When combined with the outflows from the Kootenay River, Columbia River levels at Birchbank are expected to decrease by about 1.74 metres (5.7 feet) over two days from the current levels,” Coules advised. “Please make safety your top priority when planning activities near the Columbia River.”

For up-to-date reservoir elevation and river flow information, call BC Hydro’s toll-free number at 1.877.924.2444 or visit bchydro.com.


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