BC Hydro is advising locals of changes made to the discharge rates from the Arrow Lakes Reservoir.
These discharge rates affect the depth of downstream bodies of water, including the Columbia River.
“When combined with the outflows from the Kootenay River, Columbia River levels at Birchbank are expected to increase by about 0.91 metres – or three feet – from the current levels,” said BC Hydro spokesperson Mary Anne Coules.
“Please make safety your top priority when planning activities near the Columbia River.”
Specifically, on Friday morning the discharge rate increased from approximately 1,076 cubic metres per second (38,000 cubic feet per second) to about 1,218 cubic metres per second (43,000 cubic feet per second).
Then early Saturday, the discharge rate increased from approximately 1,218 cubic metres per second (43,000 cubic feet per second) to about 1,614 cubic metres per second (57,000 cubic feet per second).
These changes are due to Columbia River Treaty coordination agreements.
Related story here: Wrap up of 2018 CRT talks in the Basin
Related storey here: Columbia River Treaty: What’s on the table?
For up-to-date reservoir elevation and river flow information, visit bchydro.com or call BC Hydro’s toll-free number at 1-877-924-2444.
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