Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.14 feet to 2791.89 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is maintained at ~32 m3/s.
One (1) millimetre of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately twenty (20) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Rio Tinto BC Works has shared an FAQ about the current drought conditions on the Nechako Reservoir. Please take a look and reach out to your BC Works Team if you have any questions.
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.27 feet to 2792.14 feet
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is maintained at ~32 m3/s.
Seventeen (17) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately zero to five (0 – 5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 10 November to 17 November 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.32 feet to 2792.27 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 32 m3/s.
Twenty-eight (28) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five (5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 3 November to 9 November 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.41 feet to 2792.32 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently maintained at ~33 m3/s.
Twenty-nine (29) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately twenty to forty (20-40) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 27 October to 2 November 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.72 feet to 2792.41 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently maintained at ~33 m3/s.
No precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately 15-20 (fifteen – twenty) millimetres of precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Rio Tinto BC Works has prepared a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document to address your questions regarding the current drought conditions in the Nechako region.
The BC Works Watershed Team is available to answer any other questions you may have.
Please visit us at the Rio Tinto BC Works community office located at 158 Stewart Street West, Vanderhoof, BC.
You can also reach out directly to Aman Parhar, Community Advisor via phone at 250-407-3514 or email [email protected]
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.90 feet to 2792.86 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently maintained at ~33 m3/s.
Thirty-one (31) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately 10 – 40 (ten to forty) millimetres of precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 6 October to 12 October 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2793.10 feet to 2792.90 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently maintained at ~33 m3/s.
Five (5) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately 10 – 40 (ten to forty) millimetres of precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions
Flow Facts: 29 September to 5 October 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2793.29 feet to 2793.10 feet
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently maintained at ~33 m3/s.
Eight (8) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately 10 – 20 (ten to twenty) millimetres of precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 22 September to 28 September 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2793.47 feet to 2793.29 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently maintained at ~33 m3/s.
Eleven (11) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately 15 – 20 (fifteen to twenty) millimetres of precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
World Rivers Day 2023
On World Rivers Day, Rio Tinto BC Works is pleased to highlight the Nechako Water Engagement Initiative (WEI). The WEI is a multi-stakeholder water use planning initiative aimed at enhancing the understanding and improvement of how Rio Tinto’s operations in the Nechako River affect various environmental, social, and economic interests within the watershed.
In the early 1950s, the Aluminum Company of Canada (Alcan, now Rio Tinto) constructed a dam across the Nechako River as part of their aluminum smelter in Kitimat. The Kenney dam, 80km south west of Vanderhoof, created the Nechako Reservoir and facilitated diversion of water west to Kemano, Rio Tinto’s hydroelectric generating station. The new reservoir flooded thousands of hectares of land and significantly reduced downstream flows in the Nechako River.
Now, nearly 70 years later, the WEI brings together Indigenous peoples, along with federal, provincial, and local governments, academia, stakeholder groups, and community members to guide Rio Tinto BC Works toward more informed and environmentally responsible operations. WEI is an interest-based, collaborative, and open process to share information and recommend improvements to water management and the affected interests like fish and wildlife, cultural sites and traditional use, flooding and erosion, recreation and navigation, Rio Tinto’s hydroelectric and aluminum operations, and energy supply to BC residents.
The process is led by independent facilitators (Environmental Dynamics Inc.) and is supported by objective, technical specialists (led by Ecofish Research Ltd.). WEI adheres to self-imposed guiding principles and uses structured decision-making based on the best available science and participant knowledge. The anticipated outcomes of WEI include improved relationships and enhanced communication, changes to how Rio Tinto stores and releases water, scientific studies to fill data gaps, and physical works in the reservoir and river, all to improve the balance of environmental, social, and economic interests.
To find out how you can be involved or informed, visit the WEI page.
Flow Facts: 15 September to 21 September 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2793.69 feet to 2793.47 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently maintained at ~33 m3/s.
Ten (10) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately 15 – 20 (fifteen to twenty) millimetres of precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 1 September to 7 September 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2794.06 feet to 2793.87 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently to 33m3/s.
Three (3) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately 5-15 (five to fifteen) millimetres of precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 24 August to 31 August 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2794.12 feet to 2794.06 feet
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is scheduled to be increased to 32m3/s on 31 August 2023, with the recent completion of annual maintenance at the spillway.
Four (4) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately 5-20 (five to twenty) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
BC Works hosts an annual BBQ at the Skins Lake Spillway campsite in the watershed region to show our appreciation to Southside residents and to the multiple First Nations in the area. This year, we held the BBQ on Aug. 25 and saw over 300 people attend. The main purpose of the event is to get people together, to share a meal and engage with residents in the area.
To make this evening a success, we rely on our partners in the region. For instance, everyone gets steak for dinner and that beef comes from the 4-H auction, and the food is served by 4-H kids. Another partner – Grassy Plains Community Hall Society puts together a generous feast and are instrumental in the success of the event. We also give out door prizes, which are gift cards from stores in the Southside. Additionally, one of our key contractors at the Spillway is Cheslatta Contracting LLP and they help the Spillway attendants with the organization and execution of the BBQ.
All-in-all this event is meant to bring the community together and to support the various businesses in the Southside.
Photos (from top to bottom): (1) Lianne Olson, Senior Advisor CSP with her husband Kenny at the Spillway BBQ; (2) Community gathers for a delicious BBQ; (3) Clint Lambert, Director – RDBN and owner of a business on the Southside serves steaks; (4) Quinten Beach, Nechako Operations Coordinator shares a few words of appreciation to those gathered.
Flow Facts: 17 August to 24 August 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2795.05 feet to 2794.12 feet.
With the termination of the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP) on 20 August, spillway discharge has been decreased to 14 m3/s for annual gate maintenance work.
Two (2) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately 0-10 (zero to ten) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
BC Works wants to know more about what’s important to you.
We invite you to share your feedback by completing a short survey.
We want our operations to reflect the values and needs of local communities. This is the legacy we aim to create, together.
Thank you for taking time to share your valuable feedback with us.
Please check out our recent newsletter to meet our team, learn more about our investment program and ways you can get involved
BC Works has released its 2022 Sustainability Update that highlights our contributions to the local and BC economy, our community investments, our environmental and biodiversity performance and more.
Our approach to sustainability is guided by Rio Tinto’s purpose: finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs. In 2022, many of our investments were focused on assisting the low-carbon transition, as well as our of being the best possible partner to our host communities.
We are currently in the Summer Temperature Management Program. Releases are subject to fluctuations through the STMP period. The main purpose of STMP is to cool the Nechako for fish migration. Through weekly Flow Facts and attached graphics, we report on average discharge for the week. If you have questions about STMP, email [email protected]
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2795.41 feet to 2795.05 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 169 m3/sec, in accordance with the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP), which concludes on 20 August.
Eight (8) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five (5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 28 July to 3 August 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2795.93 feet to 2795.41 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 280 m3/sec, in accordance with the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP), which concludes on 20 August.
Eleven (11) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five (5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 21 July to 27 July 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2796.06 feet to 2795.93 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge was maintained at 170 m3/sec for the duration of the past week, in accordance with the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP).
Fifty-six (56) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately fifteen (15) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 14 July to 20 July 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2796.67 feet to 2796.06 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently ~170 m3/sec, in accordance with the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP).
Seven (7) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately twenty-five to thirty (25-30) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
The Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP) is now in effect through to 20 August. Read below about the STMP and how we are doing things differently.
What is the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP)
STMP is focused on protecting salmon during migration through the Nechako River. The program is a provincial regulatory requirement and implemented by third party fishery biologists and hydrologists, who collect data and analyze trends to determine spillway operations to regulate water temperatures in July and August. STMP period runs from July 10 to August 20.
What are we doing differently?
Following discussions with our communities around STMP, we are moving towards a gradual increase of water discharge in preparation for the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP). This means that we are not going to release the entire volume of water needed for STMP all at once, instead we are shaping our flow releases to be gradual, as that is a priority for the communities in the Nechako watershed.
Flow Facts: 7 July to 13 July 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2796.64 feet to 2796.67 feet.
Following discussions with our communities, we are moving towards a gradual increase of water for the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP). The STMP period runs from 10 July to 20 August and is a provincial requirement to manage water temperatures to protect salmon during migration through the Nechako River.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge recently increased to 102 m3/sec.
Five (5) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five to fifteen (5-15) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 30 June to 6 July 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2796.57 feet to 2796.64 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 51 m3/sec. SLS discharge will be maintained at a minimum of 49 m3/sec until the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP) goes into effect in July.
Five (5) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five to fifteen (5-15) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 23 June to 29 June 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2796.37 feet to 2796.57 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 51 m3/sec. SLS discharge will be maintained at a minimum of 49 m3/sec until the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP) goes into effect in July.
Three (3) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately three to ten (3-10) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 9 June to 15 June 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2795.61 feet to 2796.06 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 50 m3/sec. SLS discharge will be maintained at a minimum of 49 m3/sec until the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP) goes into effect in July.
One (1) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately fifteen to twenty-five (15-25) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 2 June to 8 June 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2795.20 feet to 2795.61 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 50 m3/sec. SLS discharge will be maintained at a minimum of 49 m3/sec until the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP) goes into effect in July.
Two (two) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately zero to five (0-5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 26 May to 1 June 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2794.40 feet to 2795.20 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 67 m3/sec, and will be decreased to 49 m3/sec on 1 June, 2023.
One (one) millimetre of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five to ten (5-10) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 19 May to 25 May 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2793.11 feet to 2794.40 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge has increased to 66 m3/sec.
One (one) millimetre of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately zero to five (0 – 5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 12 May to 18 May 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2791.73 feet to 2793.11 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge has increased to 50 m3/sec. Discharge will be maintained at a minimum of 49 m3/sec until the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP) is initiated in July.
One (one) millimetre of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately zero to five (0 – 5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 5 May to 11 May 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2790.83 feet to 2791.73 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge was increased to 49 m3/sec on 9 May 2023, where it will be maintained until the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP) is initiated in July. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Seven (7) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately zero to five (0 – 5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 28 April to 4 May 2023
Reservoir level increased in the past 7 days from 2790.60 feet to 2790.83 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 33 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s. SLS discharge is likely to be increased in the near future as ice cover on the Nechako River recedes. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Two (2) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately ten to twenty (10 – 20) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 21 April to 27 April 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2790.71 feet to 2790.60 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 33 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s. SLS discharge is likely to be increased in the near future as ice cover on the Nechako River recedes. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Eleven (11) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five (5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions
Flow Facts: 14 April to 20 April 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2790.95 feet to 2790.71 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway (SLS) discharge is currently 33 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s. SLS discharge is likely to be increased in the near future as ice cover on the Nechako River recedes. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Eight (8) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately ten to fifteen (10 – 15) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 7 April to 13 April 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2791.18 feet 2790.95 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 33 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Twenty-five (25) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately fifteen to twenty (15-20) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 31 March to 6 April 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2791.47 feet to 2791.18 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 34 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Five (5) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately twenty to thirty (20-30) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 24 March to 30 March 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2791.77 feet 2791.47 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 34 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Two (2) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five to fifteen (5-15) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 17 March to 23 March 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.05 feet to 2791.77 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 34 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Six (6) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately fifteen (15) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
New online platform gives a transparent view of our surface water use
In some places we operate, water can be scarce. In others, we have to remove water to operate safely. Everywhere we work, we share this important resource with local communities, whose health, safety and livelihoods also rely on them.
So it’s critical that we manage water at all of our operations carefully – and transparently.
Sharing our water usage
In 2019, we set ourselves a goal – by the end of 2023, we would disclose how much surface water we were allocated, and how much we were using.
Early in 2023, we launched a new, interactive platform that shows our surface water allocations and usage at our sites.
It’s kind of like Google Maps, but for water.1 No matter where we are in the world, anyone, anywhere can check how we’re using the surface water we’re allocated.
A tool of this kind is an industry first, both in the level of detail provided, and way it’s published on an intuitive geo-location platform. And surface water is just the beginning – we want to disclose more across our ESG performance, and will be working on plans to achieve that soon.
By making this information clearly and easily accessible to everyone, we’ll be able to have more meaningful conversations with governments, partners, and communities we work with about how we use water across our operations around the world.
We’re also publishing all our surface water allocation and usage data from the past five years. And we can provide additional historical data on request.
Managing different water risks across our operations
Water is a precious resource, so we know we need to balance our operational needs with those of local communities and ecosystems.
We manage a range of water risks across our business, so we’ve set targets – tailored to the specific challenges at each site – and publicly report on progress against each one.
In addition to a company-wide goal, we set six site-based targets based on their water risk profile, our International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) commitments, and local community and environmental interdependencies.
Flow Facts: 10 March to 16 March 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.29 feet to 2792.05 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 32 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Nine (9) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five (5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions
Flow Facts: 3 March to 9 March 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.57 feet to 2792.29 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 32 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Thirteen (13) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately five (5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 24 February to 2 March 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2792.77 feet to 2792.57 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 32 m3/s and will be maintainedbetween 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Fifteen (15) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately less than five (5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 10 February to 16 February 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2793.19 feet to 2793.00 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 32 m3/s and will be maintainedbetween 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Forty-three (43) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately ten (10) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 3 February to 9 February 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2793.34 feet to 2793.19 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 33 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Thirty (30) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately fifteen to thirty (15 – 30) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 27 January to 2 February 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2793.60 feet to 2793.34 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 33 m3/s and will be maintainedbetween 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Seventeen (17) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately fifteen to twenty (15 – 20) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 20 January to 26 January 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2793.79 feet to 2793.60 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 33 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Eighteen (18) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately ten (10) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 13 January to 19 January 2023
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2793.97 feet to 2793.79 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 33 m3/s and will be maintained between 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Twenty (20) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with approximately ten to twenty (10-20) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
This month, Rio Tinto is celebrating the completion of the Kemano T2 Project, securing sustainable operations in B.C. for decades to come. Read more about this milestone in the final Project Update.
It’s with mixed emotions that I am introducing the last Kemano T2 Project update. We are extremely proud of the work accomplished these past years but saddened to leave such a unique area where Mother Nature is in charge.
The recently completed Kemano T2 Tunnel has been generating power since the Operational Commissioning process was successfully completed in the summer. Both tunnels are now operating simultaneously to feed the Kemano Powerhouse after T1 operated on its own for more than 70 years.
This brings to a close what has been an extraordinary project delivered by so many, past and present. I am honored and moved to witness the result of the work of generations of workers over 3 decades. We were grateful to have been presented with the 2022 Tunnel Achievement Award for Project Excellence in September.
This award recognizes successfully completed projects that demonstrate innovation and teamwork and provide benefits to the community, and it is the first time the Tunnel Achievement Award has recognized a private-sector project!
We have completed the demobilization of the project. A small team finalized the last of the non-waterway works during the past weeks.
We have started the implementation of the revegetation plan, about which you will find more information in this Project Update.
Our goal was to deliver the Kemano T2 Project safely, in respect of the environment and surrounding communities, and I can proudly say, mission accomplished!
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2795.72 feet to 2795.57 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge was recently reducedfrom ~40 m3/s to 34 m3/s. It will likely be maintainedbetween 32 m3/s and 34 m3/s for the duration of the winter period. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Sixteen (16) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with thirty to sixty (30-60) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts 4 November to 10 November 2022
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2796.36 feet to 2796.01 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is being maintained at ~40 m3/s. Changes to the current discharge rate will be communicated through Flow Facts.
Twelve (12) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with forty to sixty (40 to 60) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 21 October to 27 October 2022
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2796.76 feet to 2796.55 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently ~60 m3/s, and will be reduced to 40 m3/s on 28 October, where it will be maintained for the winter period.
Sixteen (16) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with forty to sixty (40 to 60) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 7 October to 13 October 2022
Reservoir level decreased in the past 7 days from 2797.26 feet to 2797.02 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently ~60 m3/s, and will be reducedto 60 m3/s by tomorrow, 14 October 2022.
Four (4) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with five (5) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 30 September to 6 October 2022
Reservoir level has decreased in the past 7 days from 2797.52 feet to 2797.26 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway is currently ~60 m3/s, where it will be maintained for another week. Further spillway discharge rates will be determined based on weather conditions and other factors.
One (1) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with two (2) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 23 September to 29 September 2022
Reservoir levels have decreased in the past 7 days from 2797.77 feet to 2797.52 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway is currently ~61 m3/s, where it will be maintained until the end of September.
In October, spillway discharge is expected to be reduced to 40 m3/s in two 10 m3/s incremental steps by the end of next week. Further spillway discharge rates will be determined based on weather conditions and other factors.
Five (5) millimetres of precipitation recorded last week, with two (2) millimetres of precipitation anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 16 September to 22 September 2022
Reservoir levels have decreased in the past 7 days from 2797.97 feet to 2797.77 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway is unchanged at ~60 m3/s on 23 August, where it will be maintained throughout September.
There was no precipitation recorded last week, and three (3) millimetres of precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 2 September to 8 September 2022
Reservoir levels have decreased in the past 7 days from 2798.15 feet to 2798.10 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway is unchanged at ~60 m3/s on 23 August, where it will be maintained throughout September.
Approximately 15 (fifteen) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, and no precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Rio Tinto is proud to support the Indigenous-led archaeological research project
The sites around Taticheck lake are unique and abound in historical significance. Thousands of artefacts, village sites and human remains can help us better understand our past. Supporting this Indigenous-led research project as a partner to the Cheslatta Carrier Nation was something we wanted to be a part of.
This weekend we had the honor to attend a Cheslatta Carrier Nation campout to announce the partnership and learn more about their heritage.
At Rio Tinto, we are humbled that we get to play a small role in discovering and learning more about Indigenous culture and traditions that could impact how we understand the history of human migrations in North America.
Rio Tinto BC Works’ Operations Director Andrew Czornohalan attended the campout and shared the importance of the partnership to him with his colleagues (see below).
Here’s a great news piece that talks more in-depth about the partnership https://lnkd.in/gwK_v7rA.
Mussi.
A research site where tools and resources have been found.
Rio Tinto’s Andrew Czornohalan’s message to the BC Works Team
Colleagues,
The Cheslatta Carrier Nation and Rio Tinto are embarking together on a significant archaeological project to excavate cultural and historical sites, some with an estimated 10,000-year-old history.
Rio Tinto will contribute CAD $2.8 million dollars to this remarkable Cheslatta led project that will help archeologists collect, preserve and study artifacts found around Tatichek Lake, which sits on the southeast side of the Nechako Reservoir. This will be the first archaeological project of this magnitude that Rio Tinto will be sponsoring in North America and it sits right in our backyard.
Over the weekend, I had the incrediblyunique opportunity to visit the Tatichek archaeological site. There is something so humbling to stand in a place that has such extraordinary history, where important conversations were held, and memories were made. The sense of humanity and connection, really a window to the past was overwhelming, thinking of those who lived, shared, loved, laughed, lost, struggled and triumphed in this location over countless generations will live with me for my lifetime.
As we explore and study these unique sites and artifacts, we will gain insights into past lives and establish timelines of occupation, trading networks, and resource gathering. Through archaeology, pieces history can be reconstructed, and we can understand so much more about the way of life, the culture and the traditions of people. It will also enhance our understanding of the Indigenous communities and human migration patterns in North America. It was believed that Tatichek Lake was located on one of three major migration routes that brought humans all the way from Alaska to the southwest of the United States.
This project aims to preserve and protect unique elements of Cheslatta heritage that we are grateful to be able to recover after the flooding and forest fires that this land has experienced. This project will have a tremendous impact on the reflection and rebuilding we continue to do to strengthen the relationship with the Cheslatta Carrier Nation and the learnings and lessons we take with us into the future.
We truly appreciate and it is quite humbling reflecting on the trust Cheslatta has in us to be part of this project. We will continue to build upon the New Day agreement and strengthen the relationship between the Cheslatta Carrier Nation and Rio Tinto. This project represents a significant step forward in building a more respectful and inclusive future and we are very proud to be a part of it.
Andrew Czornohalan
Flow Facts: 5 August to 11 August 2022
Reservoir levels have decreased in the past 7 dats from 2799.25 feet to 2798.81 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is being maintained at ~300 m3/s until the end of 20 August as part of the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP). Please see image below to learn more about the STMP.
Approximately 2 (two) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, and 10 (ten) millimetre is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 29 July to 4 August 2022
Reservoir levels continue to decrease from a peak of 2799.91 feet on 15 July. In the past 7 days, reservoir levels have decreased from 2799.55 feet to 2799.25 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is being maintained at ~300 m3/s until the end of 20 August as part of the Summer Temperature Management Program (STMP). Please see image below to learn more about the STMP.
Approximately 4 (four) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, and 2 (two) millimetre is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 22 July to 28 July 2022
Reservoir levels continue to decrease from a peak of 2799.91 feet on 15 July. In the past 7 days, reservoir levels have decreasedfrom 2799.70 feet to 2799.55 feet.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently ~300 m3/s, and will be maintained as such for the next week.
Approximately 2 (two) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, and 1 (one) millimetre is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Additional information regarding current conditions
Overall, since 1 April 2022, we experienced the 3rd highest amount of rain on record for this period due to the late Spring and recent rain events. However, with recent low precipitation forecasted, Nechako River levels are expected to continue to decrease.
Should you have any questions or concerns, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out by reply email, or through one of the methods listed below.
Do you know about Rio Tinto’s partnership with UNBC?
The Tahtsa Ranges Atmospheric Rivers Experiment (TRARE) is part of the natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/Rio Tinto Industrial Research Chair project. This is a five-year long project that has many different components dedicated to examining the hydrology of the Nechako River Watershed. This experiment is super exciting because it’s the first of its kind in Canada!
Dr. Stephen Dery is the lead on this project and has been researching Pineapple Express Storms. These storms are actually rivers in the sky that originate in the Pacific Ocean and bring LOTS of moisture to the north. Dr. Dery and his team are studying how much and what type of precipitation these storms produce to better understand how they affect the Watershed. With climate change, these storms will occur more frequently which can raise the water levels and cause landslides or washouts and harm the surrounding ecosystems. Knowing how Pineapple Express Storms affect the water, it can be easier to predict high water levels and plan accordingly.
Great work being done by Dr. Dery and his team!
Check out these videos to learn more about the work being done by Dr. Dery and his team.
With the current high water event, we recognize the community’s increased interest in reservoir conditions and management. Additional information is provided in this Flow Facts and we will continue to provide updates as needed.
Reservoir level decreased from 2799.82 feet to 2799.70 feet in the past 7 days. The reservoir reached a peak of 2799.91 feet on 15 July.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently ~390 m3/s, and will be decreased to ~300 m3/s on 22 July.
Approximately 13 (thirteen) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, and up to 5 (five) millimetres is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Additional information regarding current conditions
Overall, since 1 April 2022, we are experiencing the 3rd highest amount of rain on record for this period due to the late Spring and recent rain events. However, with recent low precipitation forecasted, Nechako River levels are expected to continue to decrease.
Rio Tinto continues to work closely with Indigenous and local communities, stakeholders, as well as the Water Control Board to uphold reservoir safety and minimize downstream impacts. We will continue to issue information through Flow Facts, Facebook and the Get Involved Nechako website, as well as community meetings as needed. Real-time reservoir activity can be viewed at any time here.
Flow Facts: 8 July to 14 July 2022
With the current high water event, we recognize the community’s increased interest in reservoir conditions and management. Additional information is provided in this Flow Facts and we will continue to provide updates as needed.
Reservoir level increased from 2799.75 feet to 2799.82 feet in the past 7 days. See below information about current conditions.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently ~390 m3/s, where it will be maintained for at least another week to control reservoir levels.
Approximately 10 (ten) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, and 15 to 25 millimetres (fifteen to twenty-five) is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Additional information regarding current conditions
Overall, since 1 April 2022, we are experiencing the 3rd highest amount of rain on record for this period due to the late Spring and recent rain events.
Rio Tinto continues to work closely with Indigenous and local communities, stakeholders, as well as the Water Control Board to uphold reservoir safety and minimize downstream impacts. We will continue to issue information through Flow Facts, Facebook and the Get Involved Nechako website, as well as community meetings as needed. Real-time reservoir activity can be viewed at any time here.
With the current high water event, we recognize the community’s increased interest in reservoir conditions and management. Additional information is provided in this Flow Facts, including details about planned additional Spillway discharge increases, and a community meeting tomorrow 8 July 2022.
Flow Facts: 1 July to 7 July 2022
Reservoir level is currently 2799.75 feet. See below information about current conditions.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently ~373 m3/s and Rio Tinto will make a further increase tomorrow, 8 July 2022, to ~390 m3/s.
Approximately 20 (twenty) millimetres of precipitation is anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Rio Tinto will be hosting a virtual meeting to share information and address any questions you may have. The meeting will be held at 2:00 pm PST, 8 July 2022. You can join the meeting as follows:
Additional information regarding current conditions
Overall, since 1 April 2022, we are experiencing the 3rd highest amount of rain on record for this period due to the late Spring and recent rain events (see chart below).
The Nechako Reservoir is approaching its maximum operating level of 2,800 feet, with projections indicating it will peak slightly below 2,800 feet over the coming days. As of 7 July 2022, the risk of flooding is considered moderate at Vanderhoof, with low lying areas potentially seeing some high water in the Cheslatta watershed and upper Nechako River. The BC River Forecast Centre remains best positioned to evaluate flood risk and we are working very closely with them to exchange information and make decisions about reservoir management to prevent exceeding the flood threshold.
Rio Tinto continues to work closely with Indigenous and local communities, stakeholders, as well as the Water Control Board to uphold reservoir safety and minimize downstream impacts. We will continue to issue information through Flow Facts, Facebook and the Get Involved Nechako website. Real-time reservoir activity can be viewed at any time here.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge to be maintained
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently at ~370 m3/s and is expected to be maintained at this level for at least a week, to reduce the risk of reaching full reservoir levels, while also minimizing potential effects on downstream communities.
Further updates will be provided outside of regularly scheduled Flow Facts as needed.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by visiting Get Involved Nechako.
We are looking for a Communities & Communications Advisor to contribute to our Communities team in the Nechako Watershed. You will be part of a cross-disciplinary group of colleagues throughout the province in building collaborative and lasting relationships with community partners. This role is based in Burns Lake or Vanderhoof, BC.
Reservoir level increased from 2797.54 feet to 2798.66 feet in the past 8 days.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge will be increased from 292 m3/ to 320 m3/s where it will be maintained for at least a week.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 8 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 101 m3/s to 103 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from 282 m3/s to 303 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 405 m3/s to 439 m3/s
Thirty-seven (37) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with ten (10) millimetres anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 20 May to 2 June 2022
Reservoir level increased from 2794.64 feet to 2795.41 feet in the past 7 days.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 221 m3/s and will be increased tomorrow to 275 m3/s to control the rise of reservoir levels with the ongoing Spring freshet.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 91 m3/s to 93 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from 122 m3/s to 178 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 239 m3/s to 296 m3/s
Fourteen (14) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with thirty-six (36) millimetres anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 10 June to 16 June 2022
Reservoir level increased from 2796.86 feet to 2797.54 feet in the past 7 days.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge will be maintained at approximately 285 m3/s for at least another week to control the rise of reservoir levels with the ongoing Spring freshet.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 98 m3/s to 101 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from 255 m3/s to 282 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 375 m3/s to 405 m3/s
Eleven (11) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with thirty-three (33) millimetres anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 3 June to 9 June 2022
Reservoir level increased from 2795.41 feet to 2796.86 feet in the past 7 days.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge will be maintained at approximately 280 m3/s to control the rise of reservoir levels with the ongoing Spring freshet.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 93 m3/s to 98 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from 178 m3/s to 255 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 296 m3/s to 375 m3/s
Thirty-four (34) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with twelve (12) millimetres anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 27 May to 2 June 2022
Reservoir level increased from 2794.64 feet to 2795.41 feet in the past 7 days.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge is currently 221 m3/s and will be increased tomorrow to 275 m3/s to control the rise of reservoir levels with the ongoing Spring freshet.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 91 m3/s to 93 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from 122 m3/s to 178 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 239 m3/s to 296 m3/s
Fourteen (14) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with thirty-six (36) millimetres anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Did you know that Rio Tinto maintains a public campsite on the shores of Ootsa Lake?
The campsite is free to users and includes running water to most sites, free firewood, picnic tables, boat launch, a few docks and a large public gazebo with cement barbeque pit and grill.
The campsite is maintained and managed by Rio Tinto as an offer of appreciation from us to our host communities. We invite visitors to come and enjoy the campsite and take advantage of the beautiful scenery and what the outdoors has to offer.
Most importantly, think ‘safety’ this summer. Wear lifejackets, be cautious around campfires, be aware that we share the outdoors with wildlife and take safety precautions in areas where wildlife may be near.
We wish you a safe and memorable summer.
Every year, Rio Tinto BC Works produces a Sustainability Report. While we know there is always more to be done, it is also important to take a moment to be proud of everything we’ve achieved together in 2021 and thank all our teams for their efforts in accomplishing these results.
Check out our 2021 Sustainability Report and read about the impact of our economic contributions and the implementation of our community and environmental commitments.
Reservoir level increased from 2793.72 feet to 2794.10 feet in the past 7 days.
Skins Lake Spillway discharge will be increased today from 100 m3/s to 170 m3/s to control the rise of reservoir levels with the ongoing Spring freshet.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 69 m3/s to 88 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from 68 m3/s to 86 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 181 m3/s to 204 m3/s
Nineteen (19) millimetres of precipitation was recorded last week, with nine (9) millimetres anticipated over the next 7 days.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 29 April to 5 May 2022
Reservoir level increased from 2793.11 feet to 2793.34 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge remains at ~41 m3/s. Discharge will be increased to 49 m3/s when ice formations on Murray and Cheslatta Lakes start to recede in the next few weeks.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 23 m3/s to 40 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increasedfrom 52 m3/s to 59 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 94 m3/s to 126 m3/s
Eight (8) mm of precipitation was observed last week and thirteen (13) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
It has been a busy winter on the Kemano T2 Project. Since the tunnel boring machine (TBM) broke through last October, it has been dismantled and removed, and the project is on schedule for completion.
In this issue of the Kemano T2 Project newsletter, learn about what’s next on the project and our commitment to the environment as we protect Coastal Tailed Frogs, the only frog species in North America that breed in cold mountain streams.
Reservoir level decreased from 2793.14 feet to 2793.07 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge remains at ~41 m3/s. Discharge will be increased to 49 m3/s in the next two weeks when ice formations on Murray and Cheslatta Lakes recede.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 16 m3/s to 18 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta remained at 47 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof decreased from 81 m3/s to 76 m3/s
Nineteen (19) mm of precipitation was observed last week and twenty-five (25) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 1 April to 7 April 2022
Reservoir level is 2793.21 feet, which is unchanged in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is ~40 m3/s, where it will be maintained until approximately mid-April, in accordance with the Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 11 m3/s to 14 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from45 m3/s to 46 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 55 m3/s to 75 m3/s
Sixteen (16) mm of precipitation was observed last week and ten (10) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 25 March to 31 March 2022
Reservoir level has increased from 2793.20 feet to 2793.21 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is ~40 m3/s, where it will be maintained until approximately mid-April, in accordance with the Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 9 m3/s to 11 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increasedfrom43 m3/s to 45 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof is unchanged at 55 m3/s
Five (5) mm of precipitation was observed last week and sixteen (16) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 11 March to 17 March 2022
Reservoir level has decreased from 2793.37 feet to 2793.25 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is ~40 m3/s, where it will be maintained until approximately mid-April, in accordance with the Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley decreased from 8 m3/s to 7 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from42 m3/s to 43 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 53 m3/s to 55 m3/s
Nine (9) mm of precipitation was observed last week and fifteen (15) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Reservoir level has decreased from 2793.63 feet to 2793.50 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is ~40 m3/s, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley is unchanged at 8 m3/s
Flow at Cheslattais unchanged at41 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof increased from 51m3/s to 53 m3/s
Fourteen (14) mm of precipitation was observed last week and eight (8) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Reservoir level has decreased from 2793.84 feet to 2793.82 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is 40 m3/s, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley is unchanged at 10 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta is unchanged at 42 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof decreased from 52 m3/s to 51 m3/s
Four (4) mm of precipitation was observed last week and fifteen (15) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Flow Facts: 28 January to 3 February 2022
Reservoir level has decreased from 2794.08 feet to 2793.92 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is 40 m3/s, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley decreased from 13 m3/s to 9 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from 43 m3/s to 44 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof decreased from 54 m3/s to 53 m3/s
Nine (9) mm of precipitation was observed last week and fourteen (14) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Reservoir level has decreased from 2794.21 feet to 2794.08 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is 40 m3/s, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley is unchanged at 13 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta is unchanged at 43 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof is unchanged at 54 m3/s
Ten (10) mm of precipitation was observed last week and sixteen (16) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Reservoir level has decreased from 2794.29 feet to 2794.21 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is 40 m3/s, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 8 m3/s to 13 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta decreased 46 m3/s to 43 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof decreased from 55 m3/s to 54 m3/s
Twenty-eight (28) mm of precipitation was observed last week and four (4) mm of precipitation is expected for next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
It was a busy year in 2021 on the Kemano T2 Project. Tl’ughus, the tunnel boring machine broke through to complete its 7.6 kilometre journey to finish a 16 kilometre second tunnel that was started in the early 1990s.
And while we speak a lot about the new bored tunnel and the impressive tl’ughus, we also have a whole team dedicated to refurbishing a part of the tunnel that was bored in the 1990s. The work comprises thorough cleaning of the rock, rock bolting, and shotcretespraying, among others.
You can read more about this work, our Kemano bears and our dedicated team in the latest project newsletter.
We believe it starts with a shared foundation of trust; focusing on people first to build a stronger economy for all British Columbians; and invest in a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and our shared environment.
Communities, after all, are where our people, our greatest assets, live, build families, and will thrive for generations. How we, as industry, invest and intersect with communities will define our future success.
It is our commitment to continue to find innovative ways to help our people and our communities thrive, and to embrace a collaborative approach to this work.
Check out the video we developed with our many community partners from Kitimat to Vanderhoof.
Reservoir level has decreased from 2794.37 feet to 2794.29 feet in the past 8 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is 40 m3/s, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 8 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley is unchanged at 8 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta increased from 37 m3/s to 46 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof decreased from 56 m3/s to 55 m3/s
Thirty-two (32) mm of precipitation was observed last week and eighteen (18) mm of precipitation is expected for next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Reservoir level has decreased from 2794.60 feet to 2794.37 feet in the past 13 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is 40 m3/s, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 13 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley increased from 6 m3/s to 8 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta decreased from 42 m3/s to 37 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof decreased from 58 m3/s to 56 m3/s
Twenty-six (26) mm of precipitation was observed last week and twenty-three (23) mm of precipitation is expected for next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Reservoir level has decreased from 2794.78 feet to 2794.69 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is 40 m3/s, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautleyincreased from 6 m3/s to 9 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta decreased from 45 m3/s to 44 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof decreased from 60 m3/s to 59 m3/s
Eighteen (18) mm of precipitation was observed last week and twenty (20) mm of precipitation is expected for next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
We are looking for a Superintendent, Nechako Watershed Operations to provide leadership and presence to all aspects of reservoir operations, progressing and delivering projects works and working with local First Nations and community leaders to progress water stewardship initiatives on the Nechako River and Reservoir. This role is based in Burns Lake, BC. To learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/3GmjFTe
Reservoir level has increased from 2794.75 feet to 2794.80 feet in the past 7 days.
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is 40 m3/s, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautleyincreased from 11 m3/s to 12 m3/s
Flow at Cheslatta decreased from 51 m3/s to 48 m3/s
Flow at Vanderhoof decreased from 67 m3/s to 61 m3/s
Forty-seven (47) mm of precipitation was observed last week and thirteen (13) mm of precipitation is expected for next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity, can be viewed at any time by clicking here. Please see images below for further details regarding current reservoir conditions.
Current Reservoir Conditions – 2 Dec, 2021
Flow Facts: 19 November to 25 November 2021
Reservoir level has decreased from 2794.77 feet to 2794.75 feet in the past 7 days
Currently, Skins Lake Spillway discharge is unchanged at 40 m3/sec, where it will be maintained approximately for the duration of the winter, as per Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program guidelines.
Nechako River flow discharge changes in the past 7 days at various locations are as follows:
Flow at Nautley remains unchanged at 11m3/sec
Flow at Cheslatta decreased from 61 m3/sec to 51 m3/sec
Flow at Vanderhoof decreased from 78 m3/sec to 67 m3/sec
Twenty-two (22) mm of precipitation was observed last week and twenty-one (21) mm of precipitation is expected next week.
Real-time and historical information on reservoir activity can be viewed at any time by visiting here. Please see images below for further details regarding reservoir conditions.
