The high water levels in the East Kootenay are continuing to be monitored very closely, and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is now asking residents and visitors to Tie Lake to respect a no-wake zone in the southeast corner of the lake.

“The water levels are so high at Tie Lake that they are nearing the top of our dam,” explains RDEK Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “We know it will be a very busy weekend out at Tie and the increased boat traffic significantly impacts the waves hitting the shore. The concern is if the waves send water over the top of the weir, it could damage the infrastructure.”

In the unlikely event that a dam failure occurred, there could be significant downstream flooding.

“The RDEK and Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations have assessed the dam and will be monitoring it through the weekend. To help reduce the potential impacts, we have completed all the Provincial requirements to allow us to do any work that may be required and have sandbagged the area around the dam.”

The RDEK and the Jaffray Volunteer Fire Department are out in the Tie Lake area today providing information to residents and boaters.

Meanwhile, the water continues to rise in the Wasa Lake area. The water was up

another four inches overnight and additional Forestry Crews are arriving on scene this afternoon to help homeowners sandbag.

“There are going to be 60 forestry workers in the community of Wasa this weekend. They are there to help and anyone who needs assistance placing sandbags can ask for assistance at the Wasa Community Hall,” adds Duczek.

Water levels in the Wasa area could continue to rise for four to seven days.

e-KNOW

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