The Columbia River’s fluctuating levels throughout the day is part of life for those downstream of the Revelstoke Dam, but with a transient population and frequent visitors, knowledge about the river’s shifting water levels isn’t always known.
The Revelstoke Dam on the Columbia River is one of 82 dams at 40 locations across British Columbia that generate power for 87 per cent of the province’s electrical needs. The amount of water released from the Revelstoke Dam depends on how much has been collected in the Revelstoke Reservoir, at roughly 571.5 metres, and energy demands at the time. High levels of seasonal runoff or higher than expected power demands could lead to a sudden rise of the Columbia River.
Photos of vehicles stranded in the river after water levels rose are a seasonal regular on Revelstoke’s social channels. Earlier this year, a visitor from Ontario returned from a hike to find his truck submerged in the river. Previously in 2021, a local called for BC Hydro to restrict access to the area using permanent barriers after witnessing a car caught in the flow.
In an email interview with the Revelstoke Mountaineer, Susan Edgell with BC Hydro Community Relations said BC Hydro has taken all necessary steps to keep the public aware of the risks of changing water levels around Revelstoke.
While there are no public notifications for normal fluctuations downstream of the dam, like those issued through Revelstoke’s AlertAble app for various emergencies, Edgell explained signage in the area “advise[s] the public that water levels can change quickly and without warning.”
This signage Edgell is referring to is located along the river at “recreational entryways to the Columbia River” south of the Revelstoke dam.
In addition to signage, there are also warning systems should a major release of water occur, Edgell said.
“If there is an excess supply of water in the reservoir, and we need to release some of this water by way of a spill, a loud horn is sounded ahead of water being released, warning the public that water levels below are about to rise significantly,” she explained.
BC Hydro’s Safety at BC Hydro recreation sites webpage also states “sirens and strobe lights may be used to alert you that water levels will soon be changing.”
But for the most part, BC Hydro relies on public education and the signage around the Columbia River to keep community members safe. According to BC Hydro’s Safety at BC Hydro recreation sites webpage, visitors should obey warning signs and stay on clearly marked, designated trails.
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