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BC Hydro advisory: stay out of the river

BC Hydro continues to warn people to stay out of the Campbell River until October 7.

BC Hydro continues to warn people to stay out of the Campbell River until October 7.

With another moderate storm forecasted to hit Monday and Tuesday, and estimated water inflows into the system looking to be around 300 m3/s over those two days, BC Hydro will slightly increase the spill level in the Elk Falls Canyon back up to 100 m3/s from 80 m3/s.

“This will translate into a 20 centimetre lower reservoir elevation by October 7,” said Stephen Watson, spokesperson for BC Hydro. “BC Hydro's primary focus is flood risk management but does consider fisheries issues where possible. With Chinooks expected to begin spawning around the Thanksgiving weekend, and BC Hydro ending the spill on October 7, the additional 20 m3/s to the 220 m3/s total discharge from John Hart may prevent or at least limit water releases down the canyon after Thanksgiving.”

The Upper Campbell Reservoir/Buttle Lake is currently at 219.45 m and declining. With the updated forecast, the reservoir will not reach the 218.5 metre target range by October 7, but will be in the 219 m range.