As climate change influences the conditions in the Osoyoos Lake Basin, it is important for the International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control to better understand how hydrologic conditions resulting from future climate scenarios interact with the current lake-level rule curve and drought criteria…
Osoyoos Lake
Osoyoos Lake
The southern end of Osoyoos Lake and the outlet of Osoyoos Lake and Zosel Dam have become increasingly prone to ice jams in recent years. This has led to increased lake levels and decreased discharge downstream which has negatively impacted local salmon populations.
This project complements an existing project conducted by the Okanagan Basin Watershed Board (OBWB) to collect near-shore bathymetry data over the Canadian portion of Osoyoos Lake, upstream connecting water bodies, and Okanagan Lake.
The International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control (IOLBC), in collaboration with water management agencies, Tribes, First Nations and communities on both sides of border presents the Osoyoos Lake Water Science Forum (OLWSF).
A River Film, produced by Ascent Films, Inc. and the Washington State Department of Ecology in coordination with the IOLBC was finalized in August 2017 and premiered at the IOLBC annual public meeting in Osoyoos, B.C., and at the IJC semi-annual meeting in Ottawa, ON in October 2017.
The Osoyoos Lake Board of Control is developing a multi-year, multi-phase project to analyze the vulnerability of Osoyoos Lake and the relevant IJC Orders of Approval to a projected shift in the climate and hydrology of the Okanagan/Okanogan and Similkameen Basins.
Monuments indicating the historic peak lake level of Osoyoos Lake documented in 1894, 1972, 1974, and 1997 by the U.S. Geological Survey will be constructed at public parks on both sides of the border in Osoyoos, British Columbia and Oroville, Washington.
The Osoyoos Lake Water Science Forum provides an opportunity for residents of the Okanogan/Okanagan watershed to learn about water management, climate change and the ecology of Osoyoos Lake and the broader Okanagan/Okanogan transboundary watershed.