PUBLIC ADVISORY from Water Security Agency

The water security agency has issued the following:

South Saskatchewan River

The Water Security Agency (WSA) advises the public of rapidly increasing flows on the South Saskatchewan River with a peak inflow of about 1300 m3/s expected at Lake Diefenbaker on Sunday, July 5.  This is due to high amounts of rain in southern Alberta earlier this week. Upstream of Lake Diefenbaker, water levels are expected to increase by 0.75 m (2.5 feet) on average from today’s levels with some locations seeing an increase of 1.2 m (4 feet).

As a result, WSA is starting a spillway release at Gardiner Dam today (July 2) bringing total outflows to about 520 m3/s.  The spillway release will be increased to 300 m3/s on Friday, for a total outflow of 720 m3/s.

We anticipate having to increase the release to about 500 m3/s on Monday, July 6 for a total outflow of 900 m3/s, depending on how the inflows recede.  A flow of 900 m3/s will be near channel capacity upstream of the City of Saskatoon in the Pike and Moon lake areas.

Water levels are expected to increase, an average, by about 0.9 m (3 feet) throughout the system with an outflow of 900 m3/s.  However, some areas may see increases of as much as 1.5 m (5 feet).  No overland flooding is expected.  Water users are advised to move pumps and intakes and all individuals should stay clear of fast-moving water.

The average rate of flow is 150 m3/s.