Things could get a little wet in Lumby.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is releasing water from a reservoir and that means the level of Duteau Creek could increase.
“We don’t know if it will rise to flood level but there will be a significant rise,” said Helen Sinclair, deputy emergency management co-ordinator.
“We are asking people to take the necessary precautions.”
RDNO is releasing water from the Haddo Lake reservoir to meet growing demand from irrigation customers. But not all of that water is required, so it is sent down Duteau Creek.
Sand bags are available across from the Lumby Curling Club, across from Sheardown’s Super A Foods and at the bridge beside Faulkner Street.
For residents of the electoral area, call 250-550-3700 if flooding occurs.
If residents notice culverts are blocked, Sinclair says they should phone Lumby public works or the Ministry of Transportation (604-660-9770) in the rural area.
While RDNO is managing the Haddo Lake release, it’s expected melting high elevation snow will start filling all Aberdeen Plateau reservoirs this weekend. Through that natural process, the reservoirs will spill.
“We have no control over that and it will go down the creek,” said Zee Marcolin, utility manager.
There have been no reports of flooding in the North Okanagan yet, but Sinclair says that could change.
“We have the snowpack and high temperatures and all we are missing is rain,” she said.
“There is rain forecast for Sunday and Monday but we’re not sure how much.”
Besides Lumby, sand bags are also available at locations in Vernon, Coldstream, Armstrong, Enderby and Spallumcheen.
Sinclair insists residents should prepare sand bags and remove items that could be damaged by water especially in areas known to flood.
“Don’t be complacent,” she said, adding that 2012 is a an example of the damage flooding can create.
