There will soon be more water flowing down the Elk Falls Canyon.
From July 17th to 31st, BC Hydro spokesperson Stephen Watson says the water flow for the canyon will move from four cubic metres per second (m3/s) base flow to about 34 m3/s.
During this time, you’re asked to stay away from the water flow on the upstream side of Elk Falls.
“We will be doing maintenance work and inspections to the water intake, at the John Hart Dam, that passes water to the underground tunnel and powerhouse,” Watson says.
“While the underground tunnels will remain watered up, there will be no flow passing down to the powerhouse while the work takes place. We will then transfer the tunnel water flow rate down Elk Falls Canyon to maintain downstream Campbell River flows.”
BC Hydro will transition the water flow from the tunnel to Elk Falls Canyon on the evening of July 26th.
Water will then be transferred back to the John Hart tunnel and powerhouse on the morning of July 31st, with the normal canyon base flow in place by the afternoon.
Watson says temporary danger safety signage will be put in place at Elk Falls.
He adds that the increased canyon flow rate, which is over eight times the base flow, “will provide a good viewing opportunity from the Elk Falls suspension bridge.”
