Kamloops, BC – July 4, 2023 – Boaters are being urged to exercise additional caution while navigating the South Thompson River Buoy System, due to significantly lower than normal water levels on the South Thompson River.
For the past several weeks the South Thompson River has been running at or near historic lows in many places, and river levels have continued to drop.
Following the unusual spring freshet, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is continuing to assess navigation river buoys. Repositioning of multiple navigation buoys is expected to occur in the coming days.
Please note that at any time, aids to navigation on the river channel are not under continuous observation and are subject to damage or dislocation. Do not rely solely on these aids for navigation, and use local knowledge when possible. To report any issues with navigation buoys on the South Thompson or Thompson Rivers, residents are asked to contact TNRD Community Services at 1-877-377-8673, or csadmin@tnrd.ca.
The TNRD is responsible for maintenance of the Navigation Buoy System along the South Thompson and Thompson Rivers. The Navigation Buoy System spans from the headwaters of the South Thompson River in the east, near Chase Bridge, to the mouth of Kamloops Lake in the west, near Tranquille River.
Please also note that the TNRD does not operate any access points on the South Thompson or Thompson rivers. Please refer to local service providers for information on public river access points.
For more information on the South Thompson Navigation Buoy System, and to find an interactive map showing the locations of navigation buoys, please visit: tnrd.ca/riverbuoys.
Media Contact:
Jo Kang, Community Services Coordinator
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250 377-6301
Email: jkang@tnrd.ca