The Riverhurst Ferry, Saskatchewan’s largest, has indefinitely paused its free 24/7 summer service due to low water levels and a build-up of sediment along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River below Lake Diefenbaker.
The Riverhurst Ferry normally begins operations as soon as the river is clear of ice. However, this year the water levels are too low for safe operation.
A statement provided by Steve Shaheen, a senior Ministry of Highways communication consultant, recognizes the importance of the ferry for local residents, farmers, and tourists. The ferry provides passage across the river for up to 15 cars at a time — about 30,000 vehicles annually.
The ministry states that “to the best of (their) knowledge” this is the first time in its history that the ferry has been forced to cease operations due to low water levels.
“The underwater profile of the shore changes every year,” the statement reads. “Over the years, more and more sediment has collected along the shoreline. It’s a natural process for the sandy soil on the Riverhurst side of the lake.”
That sediment build-up has made the shoreline shallower. Crews have been attempting to dredge out a deeper channel for the ferry — so far without success.
The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA) March 2022 Spring Forecast Report predicted lower-than-usual water levels for Lake Diefenbaker in the spring. Water levels typically rise after the snow melts in the Rockies around late May and early June.
The WSA report notes that alpine snowpack at the headwaters of both the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers appear normal or above normal, meaning that when the melt happens, water levels might rise through summer.
