The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency has a few alerts about water flows in various systems.
Starting in the north, the WSA says because of extremely wet conditions over the last few days, flows at Sandy Bay will exceed the record flow set in 2005 around July 16th and will continue slightly higher by July 23.
It means about a rise of about 9-tenths of a metre than what Sandy Bay is currently experiencing.
Below Tobin Lake at the EB Campbell Power Station, the Water Security Agency cautions that there could be localized flooding in the delta area.
Elevations are also expected to rise at Tobin Lake.
On the North Saskatchewan River, the peak flows through Prince Albert were Friday and the WSA expects water levels to decrease from there.
Lake Diefenbaker will remain high but within operating range and flows on the South Saskatchewan River will also remain high, near capacity, but overbank flow isn’t expected.
The WSA urges for caution in the high flow areas.
A few more details:
For Reindeer Lake, outflows from Whitesand Dam are keeping the lake levels from rising; however, wind is a major factor on this lake so levels may cause water levels to fluctuate. Reindeer River below Reindeer Lake is experiencing record high flows.
In Northwest Saskatchewan, high flow conditions remain on the Beaver River, with peaks recently passing in the Beauval area. Lac Ile-a-la-Crosse levels are expected to peak in mid-July.
WSA is also revising the expected peak for Lac La Ronge after recent rainfall in that region. This may result in higher water levels than originally forecast.
WSA, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and where necessary, the Ministry of Highways have been working with all communities at risk, implementing flood mitigation and infrastructure protection measures.
CAUTION ADVISED
Residents living along these areas are advised that high flows pose a safety risk and high water levels could damage property and infrastructure over the coming days. Users are additionally advised to use caution around the watercourses as swift moving water can pose a hazard and to take steps to protect property where necessary. Conditions can be dangerous and change rapidly. Be aware of floating debris, unstable banks and high water velocities.
