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The unprecedented flooding of 2017 left many Okanagan residents wondering whether the damage was preventable, or if Mother Nature was solely to blame.
An independent review was launched to evaluate the response of provincial ministry staff during the 2017 floods and the findings were delivered today.
The report found that the actions of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development staff were appropriate in response to the region's historic flooding.
"High inflows to Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake and Nicola Lake in the spring of 2017 were part of a general pattern of high flows in creeks and rivers in this area of B.C. that resulted in widespread flooding due to high lake levels, a high groundwater table and high streamflows," the report states.
"Okanagan, Kalamalka and Nicola Lakes were managed professionally and appropriately in 2017 and we have not identified any recommendations that would have resulted in improved outcomes."
According to the findings, a wetter-than-average spring, combined with unusual weather conditions and a high groundwater table led to record high creek flows that could not be prevented.
The first sign of these record high creek flows occurred when Mill Creek exceeded its banks causing heavy damage to homes and businesses throughout Kelowna.
Next was Mission Creek and while it never surpassed its banks, the creek's water levels saw a drastic increase that put homes at risk and continued to push record amounts of streamflow into Okanagan Lake.
The outflow management of Okanagan Lake's dam was criticised last summer, however, today's report reiterated dramatically increasing outflow could have had a disastrous impact downstream.
Instead, the report's top recommendation was to improve Okanagan Lake's inflow forecasting model, which will allow officials to better manage the dam and make adjustments as soon as possible.
The report's other recommendations focused on staffing levels, experience and training and streamflow forecasting models, many of which are already being implemented.
Officials are once again on high alert this spring due to an abnormally high snowpack this year, but that doesn’t necessarily spell disaster.
“Flood waters move fast, so develop a household plan, put together your emergency kit and connect with your neighbours,” reminds the Government of B.C.
You can get emergency preparation tips and learn about your area’s response plan through the government website as well.
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