A moisture-laden low-pressure system moving through Western Canadian provinces (B.C. and Alta.) this week has caused a state of emergency to be called in Calgary due to extensive flooding. The effects of these heavy rains could also affect our province, because one or more of the sub-basins contributing to the South and North Saskatchewan rivers could result in a significant increase in flows within Saskatchewan. As well, Lake Diefenbaker’s watered levels will also rise significantly.
The outflow from Lake Diefenbaker at Gardiner Dam will increase in stages this week. It will start with an increase of 90 to 100 cubic meters per second (m3/s), with further increases projected by the end of the week until the capacity of the Coteau Creek Hydroelectric Station capacity of about 400 m3/s is reached.
It is not clear if the Water Security Agency (WSA) will require the spillway at Gardiner Dam to manage the weather, given that there is storage available in Lake Diefenbaker. Significant rainfall has the possibility to result in rapid changes in water levels. Therefore, the public should be cautious around fast-moving water.
An updated 10-day forecast and more information on water flow for the Saskatchewan River System will be provided later this week once precipitation is accumulated and the response in Alberta is known.
At this time, citizens with homes or infrastructure near the at-risk waterways should be preparing for higher flows and water levels. At the moment, widespread flooding in Saskatchewan is not predicted. Though residents that are having flooding issues should investigate WSA’s Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP). EFDRP aids in placing emergency flood protection measures for communities, rural municipalities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals with rural yard sites, country residences, and cottages to mitigate damage from the imminent risk of floods. To learn more about this program go to
https://www.wsask.ca/water-programs/flood-damage-prevention/emergency-flood-damage-reduction-program/
