An independent report released by the B.C. government lauded ministry staff for their handling of the flooding on Nicola Lake in 2017.

Water levels in the lake peaked in May at a record breaking 626.97 metres, and high flows along the Nicola River caused localized flooding in Merritt.

Outflows from Nicola Lake are managed through partly through the Nicola Dam, but the report noted that other streams meet up with the river downstream of the dam and also contributed to the high flows in Merritt. An evacuation order was issued for a number of homes in the Mill Creek and Upper Nicola areas.

“[The water manager] appropriately balanced the effects of flooding around Nicola Lake with the effects of high flows in the Nicola River downstream of the lake,” stated the report by Associated Environmental Consultants Inc., which examined the actions of water managers and the River Forecast Centre. The review also provided suggestions to improve the province’s water management responsibilities in the Okanagan and Nicola areas.

But while the report suggested adding monitoring stations to Quilchena, Moore and Clapperton Creeks, the actions of local water managers in the Nicola area were praised.

“…[Nicola Lake was] managed professionally and appropriately in 2017, and we have not identified any recommendations that would have resulted in improved outcomes,” stated an excerpt from the report.

The report concluded that a wetter-than-average spring, combined with unusual weather conditions in the previous fall and winter, were the primary drivers behind the severe flooding in the Thompson Okanagan.

The review is expected to be rolled into a larger report commissioned by the B.C. government, which will examine both the 2017 freshet and wildfire seasons, stated a press release from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

The full report is available online.