Kayakers will have an early Christmas present from BC Hydro starting tonight until Jan. 3 as water flows increase in the Puntledge River.
BC Hydro says they are expecting up to three times the typical flow rate as they release water ahead of forecasted storms next week. They say anywhere between 100 and 300 mm of rainfall might fall and freezing levels are at 2,000 metres.
The reservoir is at around 134.1 metres above sea level and water starts to free spill at 135.3 metres. BC Hydro says they want the reservoir down to 133.5 mm by Sunday night, and they will be putting safety signage along the sides of the river.
The flow rate should hit about 100 m3/s and king tides are fortunately not expected, according to Hydro.
“Kayakers will have an early Christmas present with water flows being ideal for expert kayaking on Saturday through Monday,” said senior stakeholder engagement advisor Stephen Watson.
“All other water users and the public need to stay away from the dangerous and fluctuating river flows. As a reminder to kayakers, we may be reducing flows during the high tides.”
Watson adds inflows this year have been average, which is a welcome change from the last few years. However, snowpack is well below normal for this time of year and next week’s storm cycle won’t help the situation.
