Lake Country to assess condition of Crooked Lake Dam

The assessment will be funded in part by the B.C. government

Lake Country to assess condition of Crooked Lake Dam Published 5:15 pm Monday, July 13, 2026 The District of Lake Country will be conducting a geotechnical assessment of the Crooked Lake Dam to ensure the conditions of the structure meet provincial regulations. The structure, which was built approximately 90-years-ago, had last been upgraded in the 1960s, leaving “limited historical records documenting its structural condition.”

“This project addresses those gaps by providing a modern, comprehensive understanding of the dam’s foundation, embankment stability and overall geotechnical performance,” the district said in a news release. The assessment will see if the dam meets regulations set by the province’s Dam Safety Program. Half of the funding for the assessment was provided by the B.C. government through the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program.

“This project is about planning ahead,” said Mayor Blair Ireland. “By investing in a better understanding of the current condition of Crooked Lake Dam, we’re making informed decisions that will help protect our water resources, support local agriculture and ensure this vital infrastructure continues serving our community for years to come. In this year of drought, it is more important than ever to strengthen Lake Country’s water resilience and plan for a more secure future.”

Crooked Lake stores drinking water that feeds into Beaver Lake and Vernon Creek. That water supply suply also supports agricultural irrigation in the region. Upon completion, the results of the assessment would also allow the district to plan for and future upgrades or rehabilitation work that may be needed.

“In addition to strengthening public safety and environmental stewardship, this work supports long-term financial planning by enabling the District of Lake Country to anticipate and manage the cost of future capital upgrades. This approach helps reduce the likelihood of unexpected financial impacts on residents while ensuring the continued reliability of this critical water storage asset. “