Family evacuated after landslide threat on edge of Okanagan Lake

A small landslide on the northwestern edge of Okanagan Lake has forced the evacuation of a family of three north of Killiney Beach, a community due west of Vernon.

According to a press release from the Central Okanagan Regional District, no one was injured by the slide and “geotechnical evaluations” are underway.

An evacuation order was applied to two houses on Marchbank Road, but only one was occupied at the time. An area south of this weekend’s slide was evacuated for a time a week ago because of similar concerns.

Okanagan Lake rose three centimetres Sunday, bringing the level to 342.86 metres — one centimetre off 1990’s flood level and 17 cm away from this year’s projected peak of 343m, the regional district said Monday.

With warm temperatures now the norm, the snow pack even at higher elevations is now melting. Officials estimate the lake will continue to rise for another three weeks.

The lake levels are expected to remain extremely high into July, making it important for property owners to maintain shoreline protection for the foreseeable future.

Officials are urging residents of lakefront properties to double check the status of the flood protection by checking the flood FAQ on the regional district’s website.

Boaters are being asked to not use the water because of the risks posed by wave action from wakes; if boaters must use the water, speeds should be kept low. Boaters can be fined “operating a powerboat over 10 km/h within 30 metres of shore” as well as for disregarding safety notification, the regional district cautions.

Large trees, branches and other debris have been spotted in the lake, making boating hazardous. Debris that’s washed up on beaches should left where it is, officials advise.

— Patrick Johnston