WATCH: Okanagan Lake 3 cm over 'full pool' with more rain to come

• Lake is 3 cm over capacity
• More rain expected Saturday
• Debris should be left in place

Okanagan Lake is now beyond it’s capacity for spring freshet and more unsettled weather in the coming days is expected to see it rise further.

Emergency officials are calling on residents in low-lying areas to ensure they’ve taken precautions against flooding.

The late snowmelt coupled with recent rains -some of it heavy this week- has pushed the lake to three centimetres above full pool, at 342.51 metres.

“We’re expecting a couple more weather events in the days ahead that will bring rain and wind,” Sandra Follack, Central Okanagan Regional Emergency Program Coordinator, said in a media release. “Residents who live in areas that are prone to flooding are asked to take precautions to protect their properties."

High winds were forecast for the Central Okanagan on Friday afternoon and another spring storm was expected to bring more rain on Saturday evening.

Localized flooding occurred Tuesday when unexpectedly higher volumes of rain came down in the mountains and valley the previous 24 hours.

Ahead of the weekend, local governments and emergency crews are closely monitoring the levels of creeks and lakes in the area and working to protect critical infrastructure.

“Significant mitigation efforts along creeks and and the lakeshore in the past few years are working well to reduce the impact of high water levels in many areas,” said Follack. “This has allowed our crews to focus the installation of temporary flood protection measures, like sandbags and pumps, in key areas.”

Property owners in flood prone and low-lying areas are responsible for protecting their own properties. See cordemergency.ca/beprepared for information on how to plan and protect your property.

Locations for sand and sandbags can be found at cordemergency.ca/map. Sand and sandbag locations are now available for Peachland, West Kelowna and Joe Rich areas.

During the freshet season, the public is asked to leave debris washing up along the lakeshore in place until water levels recede to protect the shoreline from further erosion. Boaters are also asked to be mindful of their speed and wake to prevent property damage along the shoreline.

To report an emergency, including threat of life, call 9-1-1.

To report a flooding concern or potential problem (non-emergency) contact your local public works department.

• City of Kelowna: 250-469-8600
• City of West Kelowna: 778-797-1000
• District of Lake Country: 250-766-5650
• District of Peachland: 250-767-2108
• Westbank First Nations: 250-707-0493
• Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Areas East and West: 250-763-4918

For the most up to date information, visit cordemergency.ca. Information will also be provided via twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDEmergency. Emergency response personnel request that the public to please only call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.