Good day all. Here are my comments regarding increased water flows in our area.

I was advised by RDOS staff that the recent heavy rain caused loose material from the canyon area of Testalinda Creek to fill sediment ponds created after the debris flow last June; this resulted in material being carried downstream to block culverts. The culverts, creek bed and sediment ponds have been cleaned out by Argo Road Maintenance who removed about 150 cubic meters of new debris; in addition a new pond has been dug. Ministry and RDOS staff continues to monitor the situation closely and there will be an aerial survey conducted by engineers to assess conditions in the Testalinda Creek canyon area.

While there is a slim chance we will have serious problems in Town, the heavier than normal snow on valley mountain sides could be affected by rising freezing levels and rain which could result in increased water flows into Okanagan Lake and from there into the river.There is still capacity in Okanagan Lake to handle this extra water, provided there is not a sudden and dramatic increase in volume however this additional water could have an impact on water levels if the Ministry needs to increase discharge into the river. Local areas where normally dry creeks exist or active creeks such as Wolf Cub are flowing, may be affected by increased waterflows from surrounding mountains in the Oliver area so Town crews are monitoring the situation closely. Residents in greater Oliver and the Town are urged to report to the Town office or RDOS, any unusual water conditions they observe such as rapidly rising levels, sudden reduction in levels, unusually dark and muddy water or heavy erosion of creek banks.

Pat Hampson,

Mayor, Town of Oliver