More dam spills may happen this week: BC Hydro

BC Hydro says there may be more controlled spills this week at the WAC Bennett and Peace Canyon dams.

The utility said Tuesday the spills are being doing ahead of river diversion planned at Site C this fall. If required, spills could begin this week and last for up to several weeks, depending on a number of factors, including the weather, BC Hydro said.

"The spring snowmelt and significant rainfall in the Peace Region has led to higher than average water levels in the Williston Reservoir," BC Hydro said in a bulletin.

"To ensure Site C construction activities can safely be conducted, BC Hydro may release water at its W.A.C. Bennett and Peace Canyon dams to maintain appropriate space in the reservoir. This may be in addition to normal generation discharge from the dams at this time of year."

There was an unannounced spill Sunday night into Monday morning that lasted about 12 hours.

Residents along the river and downstream of the Peace Canyon dam may notice higher than normal river levels, BC Hydro said, but it said the spills are not "expected to lead to any water management issues along the Peace River." 

"Flows downstream of the Site C construction site are expected to be much less than what occurred during the spring snowmelt and recent rainfall events," it said.

The public is advised to use caution on and around the river due to changing water levels.