UPDATE
BC Hydro is once again advising the public of increased water flows down Elk Falls Canyon and the lower Campbell River.
On Dec. 5, water flow was increased from four cubic metres per second to about 45 m³/s until Dec. 12. Starting the evening of Dec. 12, BC Hydro said it will increase discharges to about 105 m³/s.
BC Hydro public affairs coordinator Karla Louwers said spill levels down Elk Falls Canyon will rise while the John Hart generating station runs at full capacity.
“The total water discharge from the John Hart facilities will be about 225 m³/s,” Louwers said. “Inflows into the Upper Campbell Reservoir over the next seven days are expected to be approximately five times higher than normal.”
The change will remain in effect until Monday, Dec. 22. Temporary safety signs warning of high flows will be placed around Elk Falls Canyon for that period, BC Hydro said.
BC Hydro is also warning river users and anglers that it has flexibility to adjust John Hart operations from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15 to meet electricity demand.
That can cause fairly rapid flow changes: the river is fully covered at about 80 m³/s and flows may range from roughly 80 m³/s up to about 128 m³/s when the station is at full electricity generation.
Anglers are urged to take caution during the six-week period.
Temporary safety signage will be posted along the river before Jan. 1 and remain in place until Feb. 15, BC Hydro said.
