Gate change at Nicola Dam – May 18, 2021

The City of Merritt is informing residents that a gate change will be made at the Nicola Lake dam today.

“Nicola Lake continues to rise towards its target, and should reach its “full pool” in early June. The lake dam operator has informed the City of Merritt that slightly more water will be let out starting May 18^th, in order to prevent it from rising too fast,” said Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis.

“The outflow into the Nicola River through Merritt had been reduced, and with this gate change, Merritt will still be taking less water than we were a week ago. River levels have dropped slightly since the last announcement, and remain very comfortable for us,” added Lowis.

Even with the latest change, City officials are confident that were will be no overland flooding risk.

“Further gate changes may be needed to respond to weather events, to ensure the lake peaks at the target time,” concluded Lowis.