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Okanagan Lake water levels reach record lows
Okanagan Lake water levels have dropped significantly this fall, reaching the lowest levels on record for this time of year. According to the Okanagan Basin Water Board, the lake level was 1,147 millimetres below full pool as of November 1.
Nelson Jatel, the water stewardship director for the board, noted that the peak level this year was 341.41 metres. The current decline follows a period where water levels have consistently trended lower than the 1994 to 2025 averages. If drought conditions persist, the Okanagan Valley could face its fifth consecutive drought year.
In the North Okanagan, Kalamalka Lake has reached such low levels that water is no longer entering Vernon Creek, a first on record. Additionally, officials highlighted concerns regarding the Penticton Dam, which was built in 1954 and is approaching the end of its life expectancy with no current replacement plan in place.
Entities
Kalamalka Lake · Nelson Jatel · Okanagan Basin Water Board · Okanagan Lake · Penticton Dam
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Kalamalka Lake water levels are so low that water is not entering Vernon Creek. westknews.com · kimberleybulletin.com · wltribune.com · kelownacapnews.com · keremeosreview.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Okanagan Lake water levels are at the lowest level on record for this time of year. westknews.com · kimberleybulletin.com · wltribune.com · kelownacapnews.com · keremeosreview.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Okanagan Valley could face its fifth consecutive drought year. westknews.com · kimberleybulletin.com · wltribune.com · kelownacapnews.com · keremeosreview.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] As of November 1, the lake level was 1,147 millimetres below full pool. westknews.com · kimberleybulletin.com · wltribune.com · kelownacapnews.com · keremeosreview.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] There is currently no plan in place for the replacement of the Penticton Dam. westknews.com · kimberleybulletin.com · wltribune.com · kelownacapnews.com · keremeosreview.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Penticton Dam was built in 1954. westknews.com · kimberleybulletin.com · wltribune.com · kelownacapnews.com · keremeosreview.com