By Grant Warkentin
After this coming weekend, water flows through the Elk Falls canyon will be quadrupled.
“The temporary flow transfer down the canyon from the John Hart powerhouse is required to support BC Hydro’s annual maintenance work,” says a statement from BC Hydro. “Temporary danger signage will be in place around the Elk Falls Canyon area.”
The large increase from four to 30 cubic metres per second will make for spectacular viewing at the Elk Falls lookout and suspension bridge, but BC Hydro says it will not have any effect on water flows in the Campbell River downstream.
The public utility says the increase will allow crews to do summer maintenance work, which coincides with low water conditions. This year’s work includes a condition assessment of the facility’s key operating equipment as well as maintenance at the intake and powerhouse.
“To allow for this work to proceed, water normally conveyed through the John Hart tunnel and powerhouse will be redirected down Elk Falls Canyon beginning in the evening of July 5. The flow transfer back to the tunnel is planned for August 10,” says BC Hydro.
From July 6 onwards, people are advised to stay away from Elk Falls and the canyon water flow, particularly the areas upstream from the falls.
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