Higher Flow Release From Comox Dam Next Week

BC Hydro will be testing equipment on the Puntledge Hydroelectric System next week that will result in higher flow releases from the Comox Dam.

It’s performing testing on the spillway gates at Comox Dam. During testing, release from the dam will increase from 30 cubic metres per second (m3/s) to as high as 45m3/s.

Flows down the Barber’s Hole, Nymph Falls and Stotan Falls stretch of the river will increase from approximately 6 m3/s to about 35 m3/s.

Temporary safety signage will be in place in all reaches of the river advising of the risk.

BC Hydro provides a series of higher flow releases below the diversion dam to aid in the migration of Chinook salmon.

That includes adult salmon moving through the 6 km stretch of river from the generating station to the Puntledge River diversion dam, then through the fish ladder at the dam, and ultimately migrating past the Comox Dam into the reservoir.

A public safety advisory is asking people to be cautious Tuesday and Wednesday next week (June 10-11) in the Barber’s Hole, Nymph Falls, and Stotan Falls areas of the river, from the diversion dam to the powerhouse. Temporary safety signage will be posted in advance.

Flows in all other areas of the Puntledge River will be normal with no safety notices in place.

The Puntledge Powerhouse will be going out of service June 15th until the end of September as part of a project to ensure safe operation and dependable water flows from BC Hydro  hydroelectric facilities.