Osprey Lake Community Web Site

Current Osprey Lake Webcam & Live Weather

Click Here for Current Osprey Lake Weather

or for a smartphone or tablet, load the app "PWS Monitor" and add weather station code: IBCPRINC6

NEW - COVID-19 Special Agenda - Osprey Corn Roast - Sept. 5 & 6, 2020

A recent washout has closed Rickety Bridge to vehicle traffic
This spring's freshet washed out the east footings and one top support log has fallen down.
It will Very likely collapse with any ORV weight

The Gazebo on the KVR @ Osprey Lake has now been repaired, after being seriously damaged by an out of control snowmobiler. Thanks to Colin A. for supplying the wood and labour to fix it.

Due to a mud slide near Shinnish Creek, the Princeton-Summerland Rd. was temporarily closed west of Chain Lake. It was re-opened April 25, 2020
however, the KVR at this point is permanently closed!
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All local Community based group activities have been cancelled until September 15 (or later) due to the high COVID 19 risk
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ATV/SXS riding? - check out this article from ATVBC

All Fires are banned, except small campfires:
Click here for more details - minimum $1,150 fine for violations

Sandbagging - April 22, 2020

It was a very heart warming community effort. Thank you for all your support at RDOS and EMBC. Overnight, two culverts quickly went up from 15 % - Meadow Crescent to 70% and Lakesyde to 90 %. See the video below which shows how close to flooding we were. The culverts are too small and not low enough in the creek.

We had 30 local residents working hard, using their own equipment, filling and placing 1,400 sand bags - higher bagging than ever before. We used about 20 yards of sand but ran out. At this point another 8 yards of sand and more sand bags have been delivered for possible future use.

We might still be in trouble. Rob M will be checking the snow level in the headwaters of this creek, but he thinks the high country snow has not begun to melt. He is still really worried about our situation - the lake ice is just breaking up today (April 23) and Osprey Lake level has risen over 8" - with lots of snow still left 'up in the hills'.

This note is not to alarm you, but to keep you up to date with happenings, and make you aware of the current situation. Flooding is not imminent, but possible - the weather will affect the future.

Social distance and be well.

UPDATE - May 5, 2020 - water levels in Lee Creek continue to be moderate with the lake level down about 2" from the peak. Unless we have an extended warm period, it looks like the flood risk for this year is now over.

Family Day Snowmobile Poker Run - February 2020

The weather cooperated for a fantastic ride. This year is was a little longer, spanning 48km running north of Trout Main, over to Whitehead Lake, and around 16" Lake. Again Tom Sellmer's fantastic feast at the second check point was a great break during the day. Winner, with 5-4's was Travis Carrier. Second and third were Brandon David and Brenda Sellmer. This year there were 78 riders, over 10% more than last year. Special thanks to all those companies and individuals who donated the over 50 prizes - Fraser Valley Refrigeration, Greater Vancouver Powersports, Lordco, Pro Auto Centre, Tim & Debbie Winter, Nils Larson, and many others. And to all those who helped scout out the course, flag and groom, man the registration desk and check points, and arrange for & cooked for the food - And to all our helpers: Tom, Brenda and Karlie Sellmer; Rob Miller; Fred Rampfl; Lisa, Sean, Sydney and Janelle Reid; Steve Miller, Lorri Layng, Shannon Redmond, and Alan Holmgren.

Christmas 2019

The snow was late arriving this year, but when it finally hit the week before Christmas - wow - what a dump.

There was so much snow the Santa Run sled couldn't even go on the lake. Santa and his elves made 11 stops in the neighbourhood visiting and leaving gifts for 22 children on Christmas Eve Lots of happy children and one exhausted Santa. Thanks to Dave, Peter, Rob, Barb, and Lisa for putting this together.

The Snow Golf was well attended with 33 avid golfers plowing their way thru the deep snow on the lake. With almost perfect weather everyone had a great time. Thanks to Troy for setting this up and running it this year.

New Year's Eve was again celebrated with midnight Fireworks. There was lots of 'oos' and 'ahs' as the display went off. Thanks to Al and Duanne for again doing a great job of looking after this popular event.

Changes to Princeton Landfill Days and Hours:
Effective immediately, the landfill will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Hours also change: 8:00am>4:00pm. From November 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 it will only be open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Easter Egg Hunt - April 21, 2019

Another great event for about 20 local children. This year the snow was basically all gone, so there was no need to bring the boots and look in the snow piles. Thanks to Karren Hodge for organizing this fun family event.

Family Day Weekend Poker Run - Feb. 16, 2019

The Family Day Weekend Poker Run had 69 sleds take advantage of a great 40km course running east of Osprey Lake around the base of Mt. Kathleen. Weather cooperated and everyone had a great time. Winner was Rob Masztalar with a full house, second was Brenda Sellmer and third Stephanie Struys. Thanks to everyone who helped including Fred and Kim Rampfl for course layout and setting it up; Lisa & Sean Reid, and Janelle Masztalar for manning the registration desk; Tom Sellmer and crew for Check Point #1; Paul Baddeley and Colin Allenby for Check Point #2; Peter Grizer for manning the road crossing; and all those who donated the great prizes.

Christmas 2018 at Osprey Lake:

Santa Run on Christmas Eve has be ongoing for 30 plus years here at Hayes Creek Fire District, taking in the Three Lakes. This year there was 11 stops and 22 excited children.   Santa and his 11 helpers....5 elfs and others behind the scene organizing and helping.

Before each stop, Santa is "briefed" by his elfs on children's ages and names, and there desires and interests........So when he makes his grand entrance, he calls each by name and asks them things only they would know......makes believers out of skeptics!

It is hard to explain here in words....but those who help each year and experience this....well....you see it thru those young eyes.....it is really magical and brings tears to more than a few eyes.....and makes them want to be part of this every year!

Special thanks to Santa "Dave", and all his helpers....Mrs "Suzie" Santa for organizing, buying and wrapping the gifts, and calling each parent to get the "goods" on each child, and the Osprey Ratepayers Assoc for the donation of funds to make it happen.  And of course Elf "Peter" for supplying and decorating the sleigh each year.

This year's Snow Golf saw a record 50 golfers (to use the term loosely) enjoy 6 holes 'on the ice'. There was even one hole of 'bowling' included. Always something different. Thanks to Len and Troy Mitchell for helping with the setup. Low score was Paul H with a 27. Nearly all foursomes ended up with one prize. Thanks for all the prize donations: KPMG, Fraser Valley Refrigeration, Kal Tire, Bridge Electric, GV Power Sports, and John Deere.

For some reason, the Hay Ride was not as popular this year, but those who went out had a great time. Thanks for Rob M for organizing and driving the trailer around and for Karli and Brenda for helping with the setup.

The season's festivities ended with a bang with the 5th Annual New Years Eve Fireworks display. There were over 70 people on the ice, plus at least another 40 in the nearby residences enjoying a fantastic 20 minute 'professional' fireworks display. Thanks for Al Q, Duane B, and all the helpers for sourcing and putting on this great display.

North Star, on a somewhat clear summer's night at the cabin. Star trails looking north as the stars circle the North Star. Another great shot by Richard Harron

Milky Way, as seen from Osprey Lake, August 5, 2018 - 5 minute time exposure by Colin and Clark Allenby

Full Moon July 16, 2019 - In celebration of man first stepping on the moon 50 years ago. "ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND." - Picture taken by Richard Harron

Cellular Coverage - Telus have recently added 'spotty' coverage along the Hope-Princeton Highway, with full coverage at Eastgate, Manning Park Lodge, and Sunshine Village. Also, for those near Osprey/Link Lakes, with WiFi internet coverage, most carriers and plans now allow WiFi calling - you can answer and make cell calls. To set up on an iPhone, go to Settings/Phone/WiFi Calling and turn on.

Safety Cabin Rebuild (Bare Tree Cabin) - August 4, 2018

It was a full day, with 23 volunteers showing up to help.

They installed a new roof, new floor (ok - floor? it was mud before), new windows, and new stove.

Thank you Tommy for picking up all the material, and Fiona and Brenda for the great food and drinks. And thanks to Len (he was there, but had to get back to company and missed the group shot). The wood stove is now properly installed with the correct venting, thanks to Paul B.

A big thank you to those who were able to help. This cabin will be there for all users, for years to come.

GPS location is Latitude: 49:44:17.48, Longitude 120:16:32.67, Altitude 1272m. Click for rough map PDF

Cabin is up Chain Rd (Chamford), right after new concrete bridge, first right (Shackle Rd)....first left....cabin down to left at first landing.

BRUSH CLEARING - NORTH SIDE TRAILS - JUNE 16, 2018

Twenty-two volunteers spent a long Saturday morning clearing back approximately 9 km of overgrown 'north side' trails. Using four brush cutters, six chain saws and numerous pruners, a lot was accomplished in a relatively short time. Thanks to all those involved. A campfire with hot dogs and Tom's special sausage was enjoyed after all the hard work. We're sure all the users of these trails will appreciate it.

Lee Creek Breach & Flooding - updated May 16, 2018

May 16 Update
- Osprey Lake is now down at least 8" from its peak level
- Lee Creek is running at a moderate level
- snow pack in the mountains feeding our area are also clear
- flood risk is over for our area - luckily

May 11 Update
- creek and lake levels appear to have stabilized and even dropped slightly over the last few days
- damage to Meadow Cres. has been repaired.
- there has been a washout on the Princeton-Summerland Rd around 18km east of Princeton. Traffic is restricted to one way over a short distance.
- dust control has been applied to the gravel portion of the P/S Rd east of Osprey
- KVR east of Osprey Lake has a long flooded stretch plus a washout nearer Summerland
- Highway 3 reopened May 11 after being closed for 2 days - but is still subject to flooding and closure - 14km west of Keremeos - check drivebc.ca for current conditions!

It was 4:00am early Tuesday morning , May 1st here at Osprey Lake, and residents have been sandbagging since 2:00, using a dump trailer, a tractor and 10 bodies, laying about 200 sand bags.

The culverts on Meadow Crescent and Lakesyde have breached, with water going over the 1,000 bags laid two weeks ago If those bags had not been laid, the damage would have been devastating. It is difficult to access fully in the dark, but 3 roads have been gouged, 4 properties flooded and potential damage to two structures - Dave D shop and Brian B basement/crawl space.

All breaches have now been repaired and Lee Creek is back in it's bed, with no water running through properties or further structure damage.

But the snow pack feeding Lee Creek is just "starting" to melt. Snow up at the elevation feeding Lee , Siwand Shinnish Creek and others feeding Hayes Creek are just starting to melt. Lee Creek has risen 60% plus since Monday night at dusk, so it is safe to assume these other creeks are now doing the same.

The creek water volume peaks late at night, as the warmth and melt of the day takes several hours to catch up and conversely the creeks will start dropping before dawn .as the cooler night air acts the reverse.

With daytime temps here forecast to be in the 20's this Wednesday to Sunday, and warmer temps at night, it could get ugly this weekend.

Another day of sand bagging on Tuesday - this time 27 volunteers filled and placed another 600 bags. Hopefully it will hold.

If you do not live in the area do not make a special trip as we will have enough bodies for now.

Osprey Lake water level has risen by around 8" since April 25, and it's still increasing. Most 'non floating' docks are currently underwater or even with lake level. It is currently at the highest level in the last 10 years!

Keep yourselves, children and pets away from rushing creeks - the power of rushing water is huge and can easily sweep you off your feet!

Easter Egg Hunt - April 2018

With so much snow this year, and an early Easter, on April 1st there was still 2' of snow in the usual backyard 'hunt' area. But no problem, we just moved it to the lake side. There were 25 eager young children having fun and running around looking for fun filled eggs. Thanks to Karren Hodge for organizing this year's event.

The Santa Run was a great success, with 30 children still believing after Santa and his elves finished their 14 stops in the community. Thanks for Ruth and Suzie for organizing, buying, and wrapping all the gifts and candy bags. And to Santa Dave, drivers Peter and Rob, and elves Lisa, Barb, Cathy, and Karlie.

There was 26 golfers trying out this year's Snow Golf course of six holes on Osprey Lake. Winner, with 12 under par, was Blake Allenby.

The Poker Run had 69 sleds take advantage of a great 40km course covered in 12" of new snow. Wow. What a day. Winner was Sean Reid with a flush, and second place to Fran Strvys with four queens.- Thanks to everyone who helped setting it up, manning the registration desk, and donating prize

The nightly Hay Wagon rides were a great success with over $1,000 collected in donations for the Princeton Food Bank. Thanks to Rob for setting everything up and driving around each evening.

This year's New Year's Eve Fireworks were fantastic. There were around 120 people on the ice watching, plus about 50 on the KVR and many more in the nearby houses. Special thanks to Al and Duane for organizing, getting the permit, purchasing and setting off the display. Unfortunately collections this year were around $400 less than usual - next year's display will need to be either cancelled or significantly cut back, if further donations are not received. If you forgot or didn't have cash with you, donations are still being accepted by Alan, Rob, Norm, or Maggie.

NORTHERN LIGHTS AS SEEN FROM OSPREY LAKE
TAKEN SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 @ 10:15PM BY RICHARD HARRON

BCWF Conservation App

BC Wildlife Federation has launched a free iPhone app which allows anyone users to take geo-referenced, time-stamped photos or videos and to report issues related to illegal use, or abuse, of our natural resources. The app works both in and out of service using the phone’s GPS. Reports are sent to a secure server and then forwarded automatically to the appropriate enforcement agency. At the Apple App Store, just search for "Conservation App"

Cattle Guard on KVR east of Osprey Lake

Caution - a raised cattle guard was added early October 2016 on the KVR just east of the east crossing of the Princeton-Summerland Rd - between Osprey and Thursk Lakes. This metal guard is very high - if approached at even a normal speed on an ORV/ATV/Motorcycle, the driver could be thrown off their machine - approach very slowly - potentially very dangerous!!

Okanagan Wind Farm - Shinish Creek Site, north of Thursk Lake

Both the nearby Pinnask Wind Farm and the Shinish Creek sight are now operational and connected to the BC Hydro grid.
Information on Okanagan Wind can be found at their website (www.OkanaganWind.ca). There are many great photos to look through for anyone interested in knowing what the sites looked like during construction and now.