Williams Lake, B.C. – The wetter than normal conditions over the past few months have increased water levels above the norm throughout the Cariboo region. 

It means the water levels of some ( likely about 10%)  of the estimated 362  dams in the region may well be higher than normal for this time of year.

The Province’s water management staff are concerned there maybe localized flooding  this  spring,  so  in an effort to reduce  the risk of flooding,  reservoir owners are being asked to ensure their dams are properly operating and maintained.

Staff are advising the following steps be taken:

* Conduct regular surveillance and monitoring.

* Clear the spillway of any blockages (including temporary flashboards).

* Ensure the low-level outlet is maintained and operational.

* Review and exercise  the Emergency Preparedness Plan.

* Ensure any inflow diversion structures are maintained and operational.

* Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to lower the reservoir to provide additional storage to reduce downstream flooding.

* For dams located on Crown land, ensure that the required signs are in place and in good repair.

Last week,  the  wetter than normal conditions  caused Rio Tinto Alcan to  increase the flow  into the