The public is asked to exercise caution and prepare for localized flooding as water levels in Nicola Lake and river and surrounding streams increase due to rapid snowmelt and recent high temperatures.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations owns and operates Nicola Lake dam and regulates the water levels on Nicola Lake. To create space in Nicola Lake from snowmelt and precipitation, the ministry lowered the lake level during March and has been releasing higher-than-normal rates of water from Nicola Lake dam into the Nicola River, which flows through Merritt and Lower Nicola.

The rapid snowmelt of the past week and recent heavy rainstorm has caused inflows to Nicola Lake to be significantly higher than the controlled outflows. As a result, Nicola Lake has reached full supply level and is expected to keep rising for the next seven to 10 days. Flows in Nicola River between Nicola Lake and the City of Merritt are expected remain high for two to three weeks.

Residents next to the lake should expect some shoreline flooding. The public is advised to prepare for possible flooding of low-lying areas by moving equipment and other assets from these areas to higher ground, where possible.

During periods of high flow, river banks may be unstable and more prone to sudden collapse. Stay well away from the banks of fast-flowing streams and flooded areas or bridges. Young children and pets can be at particular risk during this period.

Although the ministry is actively managing Nicola Lake Dam to minimize negative impacts both upstream and downstream of the dam, residents should be aware that unforeseen adverse weather conditions may affect water levels and flow forecasts, and result in some degree of flooding along the length of the river.

For more information on flood prevention and flood response, visit:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-management-bc/flood-protection-and-planning