The seasonal fish migration is coming up.
This means BC Hydro will be releasing water down the falls to help the migrating salmon.
Hydro will provide nine 48-hour pulse flows down the Elk Falls Canyon. The first migration flow is scheduled for September 18th and 19th. Hydro spokesperson Stephen Watson says after the first round, the pulse flows will happen every Wednesday and Thursday for another eight weeks.
Flow in the canyon will increase from 4 cubic metres per second (m3/s) to 7 m3/s.
Watson adds they’re asking that people stay away from the area when migration flows are taking place. There will be temporary safety signage in place as well.
If water supply continues to be low, BC Hydro may decrease flows out of the John Hart generating station by 3 m3/s.
Elk Falls is a natural barrier to fish passage, even though there is fish habitat between the new powerhouse tunnel outlet and the falls.
