BC Hydro says with rainfall nearly normal for last month and with a series of storms on the way, you are asked to stay away from the Puntledge River because of high flows.
According to senior stakeholder engagement advisor Stephen Watson, precipitation for last month was about 95 per cent of normal. Water flow is usually around 35 m3/s to keep the powerhouse running; however, it could jump up to 50 or even 90 m3/s over the next few weeks.
He adds there is some flexibility to absorb water inflows from the upcoming storms between Nov. 3 and 17.
“We’re in a pretty good place right now in terms of reservoir levels, storage and downstream flows,” said Watson. “October had certainly its wet moments, but overall, it was about average.
“The reservoir level has come down it’s now about 1.2 metres below the overflow spillway. That’s good for flood risk management operations, good flows downstream for fish migrating and spawning.”
Watson says the flow rates will change as we enter the wettest months of the year, from November through December along with forecasted king tides that could pose an issue if it is stormy.
“We have flood risk management operations in place during storms that consider how much water storage we have in the reservoir, how high the Browns and Tsolum rivers are flowing, the ocean tides and possible storm surge up the estuary from high winds,” added Watson.
“During the high tides during a storm event, we generally reduce water flows for about four hours and then ramp up once the once the tide is moving out.”
Safety signage is being placed along the river today.
