More on water rising

The level of Shuswap Lake as of 0500 hrs, June 20 , 2011, is at 348.483.
This level is still well short of the level of 348.700 metres the lake is projected to eventually reach.
Earlier in June, the rise was approximately 5 cms per day, but the rate of rise has been gradually slowing and over the past weekend, the rise was in the range of approximately ½ to 1 centimetre per each 24 hour period. Water Stewardship Division, Ministry of Environment, are advising the Shuswap Emergency Program that Shuswap Lake is exhibiting signs that it is close to cresting, which supports the projected final height. While perhaps the spring weather hasn’t been the best in terms of warmth and sun for tourism, it definitely has been a moderating influence on how the mid mountain to high level snow packs have been melting. A brief period of warmer weather, forecast for the middle of this week, will likely increase the melt rate slightly, but it is not anticipated it will have a major impact on the rate of lake level increase. For comparison purposes, if and when Shuswap Lake reaches 348.700 metres, it will be similar to the 2008 level (348.660 metres) or slightly below the level it reached in 2002 (348.850 metres). While current forecasting is suggesting the final lake level will not be unusually high, lakeshore property owners should calculate what effect the projected level of the lake will have on their property, and determine what if any action they need to take. A contributing factor to consider is wave action caused by wind or boats. For several weeks, the Shuswap Emergency Program has been making sandbags available from a number of community locations, listed on www.sepadvisory.com , which also contains flood proofing and sandbag tips. Currently the situation is not warranting supply and distribution of sand to individual residences at taxpayer expense, as significant or widespread flooding does not appear to be imminent or occurring. Property owners are responsible for constructing high water protective works on their properties. The situation will continue to be monitored by SEP, Water Stewardship, and the River Forecast Centre. Shuswap Emergency Program Contact: 250.833.5927