Despite drier than normal November rain, water flows down the Puntledge River will be around double for flood risk management.
According to BC Hydro, water release from the Comox Dam is generally around 35 m3/s for full electricity generation. However, in light of Monday’s atmospheric river the flow may be up to 60 m3/s through Friday.
Temporary danger signage will be out along the riverbanks, according to Hydro. Inflows are forecasted to be around 125 m3/s today, but senior stakeholder engagement advisor Stephen Watson says this will depend on rainfall and snowmelt.
Watson adds that the rainfall is really good to see, considering the end of November was quite dry and rainfall was only about 70 per cent of normal.
He adds the reservoir is sitting at 133.4 metres, or about the middle elevation range. The powerhouse is also currently out of service with an equipment issue that hydro hopes to have fixed later in the week.
