BC Hydro advises the public to stay away from the Puntledge River from Friday evening through Wednesday. High volumes of water, almost five times the current river flow, may be released over the five-day period from Comox Dam to control the reservoir level. BC Hydro advises there is no risk for downstream flooding.The Comox Lake Reservoir dropped from approximately 135 metres in elevation to 133.85 metres as a result of last weekend’s high water release. However, with the Puntledge River Generating Station down for maintenance work and scheduled to be back in service this Friday, the reservoir has been rising at about 30 centimetres per day. The recent wet weather has increased the water inflows into the reservoir. Yesterday’s daily average water inflow into the reservoir was 95 cubic metres per second versus the existing downstream release of about 20 m3/s. Even when the station is back online the current upstream water inflows will exceed the downstream discharges. Future high water spill events will be required.On Friday night, to control the reservoir level, BC Hydro will begin to increase the Puntledge River flow to 90 m3/s and target the kayaking flow where the Browns River meets the Puntledge River. The Browns River enters the Puntledge River just above the generating station and is currently flowing at 20 to 25 m3/s.BC Hydro will adjust its discharges from the dam as needed, and is providing less water discharges than last week out of consideration for emerging salmon fry that can get flushed through the system.River safety must be top of mind with the warming weather and increasing river recreation.— BC Hydro

Comox Valley Record