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Floaters in Penticton Channel urged to be cautious as warm temperatures arrive

The city’s emergency operations centre was activated on June 16
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(Western News File)

The rainy weather from earlier in June has been replaced with warmer-than-average temperatures and people hoping to take a float down the Penticton Channel should be extra cautious, the city warns.

Penticton’s emergency operations centre is continuing to monitor lake levels, with rapid snow melt expected in the area. With that, though, has come a special warning for those hoping to spend some time by the water this weekend.

“Floaters are reminded that the water is moving very quickly,” the city’s EOC said in an announcement. “Be aware of your surroundings, snags underwater, shoreline branches, etc.”

Though lake levels continue to be in the range of normal for this time of year, according to the city, people are asked to be extra cautious around water because of the rising temperatures.

“Creek levels are expected to rise as the snow pack melts,” it adds.

Boaters in Okanagan Lake, meanwhile, are asked to keep speeds down to prevent shoreline erosion.

“There are many logs and other debris floating in the lake at this time,” the EOC said.

Penticton’s emergency centre was activated on June 16 due to concerns about the high water level in Okanagan Lake.

Kelowna-based meteorologist Doug Lundquist told the Western News on June 21 that summertime heat in the Okanagan has come two weeks earlier than expected, causing concern for rapid snowmelt in the region.

READ MORE: Penticton’s emergency centre continuing to monitor Okanagan Lake water levels


@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com