Emergency officials are getting ready for a hot weekend, which is expected to further increase lake and creek water levels.
Brian Reardon, Director of the Emergency Operations Centre, says Okanagan Lake, which is already at about 343 metres, is forecast to rise another 10 to 15 centimetres.
“These predictions will continue to evolve as the snowpack at higher elevation melts and the warm temperatures continue on in the Okanagan.”
80% of the higher elevation snowpack still remains.
Residents living near Mission Creek, especially those closer to the lake, are urged to reinforce flood protection measures as it may reach extremely high flows, potentially exceeding 100-cubic-metres-per second.
“With nowhere for the snowmelt to go there is a high potential for backwater effect at the mouth of Mission Creek” said Reardon.
In addition to the upcoming heat wave, another wind event is expected late next week, so residents are recommended to use Tuesday evening’s wind storm as an indication of whether they need to improve their flood protection measures.
Boating is still discouraged due to floating debris, submerged docks, and shoreline erosion cause by boat wave.
Latest information on flooding can be found at the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website here.