BC Hydro warns people to stay away from Elk Falls Canyon

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – BC Hydro is advising people to stay away from Elk Falls Canyon.

Water flow will be increased from 4 cubic metres per second (m3/s) to 30 m3/s from July 13th through August 15th. 

The increase in water flow is due to upcoming dewatering work of the John Hart tunnels. This includes the power tunnel, powerhouse turbine inlet areas, and the tailrace tunnel. 

Crews will do final inspections of the new underground facility during that time. 

Spokesperson Stephen Watson says after this dewatering, the inspection process will be repeated every four to five years, unless there is some unplanned maintenance work. 

BC Hydro will transition the water flow from the tunnel to Elk Falls Canyon at night until early morning hours. There will be temporary danger safety signage in the area. 

Starting on July 15th, there will also be gravel replacement work in the area. The BC Conservation Foundation will put in about 300 m3/s of spawning gravel downstream from the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge. 

BCCF will be using a skyline cable, gravel trolley bucket, winch, hydraulic works and up to two skidsteers to bring in gravel. BC Hydro says work will take five days. 

Trail users are advised to be aware and to be careful as work progresses.