BC Hydro says they will be increasing flows down Elk Falls Canyon next week to help with the steelhead migration and spawning below Elk Falls.
Hydro says they are issuing a safety notice as a result, and it will be in place every Wednesday and Thursday through March 21. Safety signage will be in place, and they ask you to stay away from Elk Falls Canyon, especially upstream.
“We will be providing five, two-day in duration, steelhead migration and spawning flows down Elk Falls Canyon over a five-week period to enable steelhead to access good habitat in the canyon up to the base of Elk Falls,” said senior stakeholder engagement advisor Stephen Watson.
Watson adds flows will increase from four m3/s to 10 m3/s.
Meanwhile, BC Hydro has its long-term supply forecast that runs from February to September to help guide water storage. While it has relatively high uncertainty, it currently predicts inflows to be about 80 per cent of normal over that period.
Following a wet January, the reservoir is at 219.75 metres above sea level, which is higher than normal for this time of year. Watson says this means they are looking to conserve water storage as they head into the next few months and consider the summer period.
