CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. – BC Hydro is increasing flows at the Elk Falls Canyon, but this time, not because of a storm.
The utility will be testing out equipment in the new underground powerhouse on Monday. Spokesperson Stephen Watson said they will raise water flows from 4 cubic metres (m3/s) to 80 m3/s. Flows will then drop down to 10 m3/s on Tuesday, and back to 4 m3/s by Saturday.
Residents are advised to stay away from the area until the water flow down the falls drop back to normal.
Watson wrote in an emailed statement that the Campbell River flows should stay the same, as it is downstream from the powerhouse and the falls.
Anglers entering the river below the generating station from now until February 15th are also advised to go with caution. BC Hydro is within a six-week period where they can adjust operations to respond to various demands. This means river flows may change very quickly from about 128 m3/s to approximately 80 m3/s.
