BC Hydro Issues Public Safety Advisory

BC Hydro has issued a public safety advisory to stay away from higher flows down Barber’s Hole and Nymph Falls sections of the Puntledge River.

Beginning Thursday, they will be increasing discharge from Comox Dam from about 13 cubic metres per second (m3/s) up to 30 m3/s.

That’s to ensure there is adequate room to absorb anticipated inflows and maintain operational flexibility during storm season. Safety signage along the river is in place highlighting the risk.

Water inflows from the successive storms in the past two weeks provided a needed recovery in water storage following a dry summer.

Precipitation for the month of October is trending 120% above normal.

The Comox Lake Reservoir water level is currently 133.7 metres above sea level and rising. It increased from 131.7 metres on October 18th.

The generating station will remain out of service for equipment upgrades through early to mid- November with no water passing through the powerhouse until the unit is back in service.

Moderate precipitation is expected this weekend and early next week, and the reservoir is expected to continue to rise.

Water begins to free-spill over the Comox Dam at 135.33 metres. Crews generally like to keep the reservoir water level below 134.4 metres during storm season for flood risk management operational flexibility.