Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Shuswap as the first stretch of warmer than average temperatures moves into the area. Today, Saturday, June 25, temperatures will reach into the upper 20's. For the remainder of the weekend and early next week, temperatures will rise into the low to mid 30's.
Thunderstorm activity may also move into the area after Monday, with the potential for localized heavy rains. Precipitation may result in higher lake levels and worsen localized flooding in the Shuswap.
In addition, freezing levels at higher elevations will rise throughout this event and lead to an increase in snowmelt and snowpack instability. Increased stream flows due to run-off are possible.
Residents are asked to be aware of high-water conditions and continue to take proactive steps to reinforce flood protection measures. Sand and sandbags are available at 23 locations throughout the Shuswap.
The Shuswap Emergency Program mapping dashboard has real-time information on lake and river levels, as well as showing all the locations for the self-serve sandbag stations. If you notice supplies are getting low, please call 250-833-3352 so we can resupply the site as quickly as possible. The Emergency Operations Centre remains activated this weekend and is actively monitoring flood risk and areas of concern.
Above right: An image taken Saturday, June 25 from Blind Bay Road, near the CSRD's Sandy Beach Park, which remains closed due to high water. Scotch Creek Wharf Road Community Park in the North Shuswap is also closed due to high water conditions. (CSRD photo)
