Gate change at Nicola Lake Dam – May 5, 2021

The operator of the Nicola Lake Dam has informed the City that a gate change will be made today to increase Nicola River flows from ~13m^3/s to approximately 20m^3/s.

The Nicola river as it flows through Merritt is fed by the combination of the outflow of Nicola Lake (governed by the dam), and the outflow from Clapperton Creek (uncontrolled, and responsive entirely to the weather).  Clapperton Creek is flowing at ~4.25m^3/s, so the combined flow through Merritt will be ~24.25m^3/s.

“We anticipate that this will cause river levels to rise by approximately 7 inches,” said Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis.

“There is still plenty of storage capacity in Nicola Lake and this increase in flows is being made to ensure the lake doesn’t fill too quickly and to preserve capacity in the event that we see precipitation in the next few weeks.  There is no risk of flooding with this change, though we do anticipate that groundwater levels will rise.  Residents in the lowest lying areas may need to turn on sump pumps,” continued Lowis.