Osoyoos Lake Levels to Drop Further Amid Drought Conditions, Experts Warn

Experts predict Osoyoos Lake will see its lowest levels since record-keeping began due to ongoing drought conditions in the Okanagan Basin.

Washington State's Department of Ecology has forecasted that Osoyoos Lake levels will drop significantly by the end of the year, driven by drought conditions in the Okanagan Basin. The lake currently stands at 278 metres above sea level, which is its upper limit for summer during dry periods. Zosel Dam operators are closely monitoring water inflows from British Columbia and Ecology's water releases to ensure Osoyoos Lake levels do not continue to decline.

The Okanagan Basin has been classified as Drought Level 4 by the Washington State Department of Ecology, indicating extremely dry conditions. The Osoyoos Lake Board of Control expects lake levels to drop further due to reduced inflows from B.C., and Zosel Dam operators are closely monitoring these water levels.