People out boating on Shuswap Lake are being asked to remain cautious due to high water levels this year.

As of Monday, the latest projections show the water levels of Shuswap Lake holding relatively steady from Sunday.

However, Tracy Hughes with the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District says there is still some uncertainty due to forecasted high temperatures and thundershowers.

“They are predicted into the mid-30s, and that’s going to bring down some of the snowpack’s that set high elevations. So right now, that could push our flood level up a little bit more past the 349-meter mark, which is where we get a little bit concerned,” she explains.

“It’s very difficult to predict exactly where they’re gonna dump their load of rain. If it’s right in our area that could also jack up the lake level. So it’s a little bit touch and goes for us right now.”

With it being a high water level year already, Hughes is asking boaters to be mindful if they are out on Shuswap Lake.

“Boat wakes can cause a significant, localized rise in that lake level and can really, you know, cause waves that are gonna cause some serious damage to people’s property, bring up those water levels and flush into their base and get past sandbag walls.”

Hughes suggests some tips boaters should follow to help against flooding and property damage.

“Travel slowly think about these people on the on the lakeshore and think about our beaches because their wakes also cannot contribute to erosion.”

Going slowly, as Hughes explains, is for the safety of those boating on the lake, as she adds it’s important to watch out for debris.

“There are hidden things, people’s docks… Some of them have floated away under these high water conditions. there can be bigger logs, so we don’t want any to see anyone get hurt.”