If you thought Kootenay Lake looks a little more shallow than it should at this time of year, you’re right.
The dry summer already took it’s toll on the lake, and an additional foot of water has been pumped out.
This was done to boost the survival rate of spawning Kokanee salmon.
It forces the fish to spawn at lower elevations, which will decrease the amount of hatched fish being stranded along the shoreline come the Spring.
Erika Schade is with Fortis BC.
The 1 foot lower level of water is only temporary and will be restored in October when spawning season is over.