BC Hydro Advises Care Along Puntledge River

BC Hydro has further increased flows down the Puntledge River.

Last week, crews increased discharge from Comox Dam from about 13 cubic metres per second (m3/s) up to 30 m3/s, advising the public to stay away from the Barber’s Hole and Nymph Falls section of the river.

Last night, they further increased discharge from the dam to approximately 45 cubic metres per second and extended the public safety advisory to also include the section of the Puntledge River downstream of the powerhouse.

Crews expect to maintain these flows through at least November 15th.

The Comox Lake Reservoir is currently at 134.1 metres above sea level, a 2.4 metre increase since October 18th.

Inflows into the reservoir will peak around 85 cubic metres per second today and then begin to decrease until Friday when there is a chance for another moderate response to a series of weather systems extending into early next week.

Precipitation and flows are forecast to be above normal over the next 7-10 days.

Safety signage along the river is in place highlighting the risk.