Warnings Continue To Avoid Puntledge River

Continuing higher flows in the Puntledge River have BC Hydro reminding residents to keep an eye out until at least the middle of next week.

Temporary safety signage will be updated along the river system.

BC Hydro’s Stephen Watson says there are still a number of months to go before they have a clearer picture of their long-term water supply forecast, which runs from February to September.

The long-term forecasts, updated monthly, help staff make various water management decisions involving fish habitat, domestic water, recreation, and power generation.

The Comox Lake Reservoir is currently 133.5 metres above sea level.

The plan is to move the reservoir lower in advance of planned powerhouse maintenance work next month.

The discharge from the Comox Dam will be around 50 cubic metres per second through February 21st, to be cut in half after that through March 5th.

That allows the Comox Lake Reservoir to move downward in advance of the powerhouse maintenance work, and then slowly refill and absorb any moderate storms during that period.

BC Hydro will also be increasing flows next week down Elk Falls Canyon to help with the steelhead migration and spawning.

That notice starts on the evening of February 20th, for every Wednesday and Thursday through March 21st.