An independent review has concluded the prime cause of severe flooding in the B.C Interior last year was a wetter-than-average spring, combined with unusual weather conditions the previous fall and winter.
The review by Associated Environmental Consultants concludes the Okanagan Lake Regulation System and Nicola Dam were managed appropriately by staff at the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Water Manager Valerie Cameron says the consultants determined the decisions they made by ministry staff were operationally sound.
“The report found that, they actually couldn’t make any recommendations for any actions that the province could have taken that would have made a measurable difference in the outcome of the flooding.”
The report makes 65 recommendations for change that cover areas including, staffing levels, experience and training, and stream flow forecasting models in the face of climate change.