| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Management of water levels in the Okanagan Lake system and particularly Okanagan Lake itself is of great strategic importance to the Okanagan valley. Inigation/municipal demands, flood reduction, fisheries habitat and spawning, and recreation uses all depend on how wisely the flow of water is managed. Control over the opening and closure of the outlet gates of Okanagan Lake at Penticton is crucial to determining lake levels and downstream flows. Lake levels for Okanagan Lake presently set by Province of British Columbia were adopted in 1982, when the Okanagan Basin Implementation Agreement Report was finalised. Of particular importance are target water levels at key dates, such as February 1 and October 15. Because of very large storage in Okanagan Lake in relation to discharge capability at Penticton, adjustment of lake levels takes several weeks of time. Procedures that will give operators more time and more flexibility in operating the lake are desired. Presently the lake is operated most of the time at elevations that are higher than may be necessary. This creates problems for fisheries during high runoff years because of the need for extensive lowering of the lake during the winter months. |
