BC Hydro’s Annual Public Warning System Tests

BC Hydro’s annual public warning system tests will take place from today to May 19, with a significant increase in Puntledge River flows on May 19.

BC Hydro’s annual public warning system tests will take place from today to May 19, with a significant increase in Puntledge River flows on May 19.

The public is being asked to stay away from the river system over the testing period with the individual sirens tested on May 17 and 18, and all sirens fully engaging on May 19. Temporary safety awareness signage will be placed along the river system.

The upcoming tests are scheduled, and conducted to ensure the warning system is operating correctly.

On May 19, at around 10 a.m., the water discharge from Comox Dam will increase over about 15 minutes before dropping back down again to provide a pulse of water that will move downstream and cause the various sirens to activate. The discharge from the dam may be around 27 cubic metres per second, and at various times on that day the Puntledge River flow will increase to a brief peak of about 50 cubic metres per second. River flow hydraulics and under-surface currents can be dangerous.

The Puntledge River hydroelectric system includes the Comox Dam, which impounds the Comox Lake Reservoir, where the water released travels 3.7 kilometres down to the Puntledge River Diversion Dam. From there, a minimum fish habitat flow is provided down the river with the majority of water directed down a five kilometre penstock to the generating station.