Forests
Residents along Nicola Lake are asked to take steps to protect their properties from localized flooding, expected to occur later this week.
Given melting snowpack and an exceptionally wet April, Nicola Lake water levels were already high before the thunderstorm that occurred Thursday, May 4. The storm resulted in significantly increased streamflows in Mill Creek (also known as Clapperton Creek). Mill creek feeds into the Nicola River near the Nicola Lake dam.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations owns and operates the Nicola Lake dam and regulates the water levels on Nicola Lake. In response to the increased streamflows, the ministry reduced the outflows from Nicola Lake by 50% on Friday. This reduced flooding concerns in Merritt, but means that the Nicola Lake reservoir is now full.
Current forecasts indicate a warming trend over the entire Nicola watershed which will result in increased snowmelt, and thus river flows. Ministry staff continue to actively monitor conditions around Merritt and Nicola Lake, including releasing more water from the dam as needed. However, shoreline flooding around Nicola Lake is expected to occur later this week.
High streamflows through Merritt and high lake levels are expected to last for the rest of May.
During periods of high flow, river banks may be unstable and more prone to sudden collapse. Stay well away and keep young children and pets away from the banks of fast-flowing streams and flooded areas or bridges.
For more information on flood prevention and flood response, visit:
