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Dam Alert canceled
BC Hydro announced at 1 p.m. today (June 23) that the Dam Alert issued for the Elko Dam last Friday night has been canceled.
“The situation at BC Hydro’s Elko Dam and Generating Station, located 70 km southeast of Cranbrook on the Elk River, has been addressed and the Dam Alert notification has been canceled,” stated BC Hydro’s Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, Community Relations Mary Anne Coules this afternoon.
At 9 p.m. on Friday, June 21, BC Hydro notified emergency officials and the public that the dam was at risk of having its abutments eroded by the high water flows on the Elk River. An abutment is the structure that supports each side of the dam.
BC Hydro crews worked around the clock since Friday to divert water and minimize further damage.
“The facility has been stabilized, and further assessments and repairs are being undertaken. BC Hydro personnel remain on site and will continue 24-hour surveillance. BC Hydro thanks our employees and contractors for their hard work in extremely difficult conditions to safely address this situation,” Coules related.
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
Lead image: The Elk River powers into the Elko Dam Friday afternoon, June21. By Angela Fregin
