Residents living along Vernon Creek should prepare for rising water levels.
The Ministry of Forestry, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is releasing water from Kalamalka Lake and that may increase the flow in Vernon Creek before it enters Okanagan Lake.
“If they had flooding last year, it’s a good indication that there may be an issue this year,” said Brent Watson, Vernon’s emergency management co-ordinator.
“Sand bags are available and we are asking people to be prepared.”
Sand and Sandbags can be found at the city yards, outside of the main gate on Pleasant Valley Road, and at the corner of Okanagan Avenue and Okanagan Landing Road.
Sand bags are available during work hours at the city yards, 1900 48th Ave., and at the fire hall, 3401 30th St.
The ministry releases water from Kalamalka Lake into Vernon Creek every spring.
“As the lake comes up with snow melt, we’re managing the inflow into the lake,” said Bryan Symonds, director of water stewardship.
“There’s still a fair bit of room in the lake to handle the inflow.”
Residents visiting Polson Park are also urged to be cautious around Vernon Creek.
“If someone falls into the creek, they can find themselves in trouble,” said Symonds of the fast-moving water.
Presently, there have been no reports of flooding in the North Okanagan.
“It shouldn’t be an exceptional year unless we get precipitation,” said Watson.
