Pioneer Park boat launch re-opens as high waters recede

High waters continue to recede in Kamloops, leading to the re-opening of another City boat launch.

The Pioneer Park boat launch back in business at noon Wednesday while the launch pad at Thompson Drive, which is still underwater, remains closed.

The McArthur Island boat launch is also available for public use.

Meanwhile, the South Thompson River is still closed between the Thompson River confluence and the Red Bridge.

Clearance height of about 12 feet is required for vessels to have a safe and clear passage under the CN Rail bridge trestle, said RCMP Staff Sgt. Grant Learned.

Since an RCMP member reported being able to touch the bottom of the trestle from his craft, the river remained closed on Wednesday.

Conditions looked good on Monday morning for re-opening but the late afternoon thunderstorm created another surge.

“That saturated a wide area throughout the Shuswap Lake drainage,” said Learned. “As a result of those heavy rainstorms Monday, the water level measurements taken late Tuesday afternoon showed the river was back up by about 24 inches.”

Boaters beyond the closed area should continue to watch for debris and hazards in the water and be aware that their wake can cause property erosion.

Gabion baskets continued to be removed from Schubert Drive in North Kamloops on Wednesday.

The Kenora Road protection across from MacArthur Island Park will also be removed this week. Riverside Park gabion protection will be removed next week, according to Len Hrycan, City community and corporate affairs director.