BC Hydro said that although water inflows into the Columbia River Basin are expected to be slightly above average this year, it is running fewer generating units than usual at the Mica generating stationthis summer to safely allow ongoing replacement of aging switchgear equipment at the facility. As a result, less water than usual is coming into Arrow Lakes Reservoir from the Mica and Revelstoke dams and water releases from Hugh L. Keenleyside dam are continuing according to the terms of the Columbia River Treaty.
Arrow Lakes Reservoir water levels are driven by numerous factors including snowpack, weather, load requirements, Columbia River Treaty provisions, and other variables and vary considerably from year to year. Although this water level is relatively uncommon, it is well within the historical range. Water levels on August 31 from the years 1968 to the present have ranged from a low of about 429.8 metres (1,410 feet) to a high of about 440.1 metres (1,444 feet).
For up-to-date information on reservoir levels and river flows, please visit:
BC Hydro’s website at http://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/our_system/transmission_reservoir_data.html; or
Contact dayle.hopp@bchydro.com to receive regular weekly updates on Columbia reservoir levels by email; or
Call BC Hydro’s toll-free line at 1-877-924-2444.
