Runoff Advisory for Notukeu and Wiwa Creeks.

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is reporting that flows at the Village of Vanguard appear to be about a 1:75 year event, exceeding flows observed in both 1997 and 2011.

These high flows are in response to rapid snowmelt over headwater areas earlier this week. High flows extend to Notukeu Creek’s confluence with the Wood River north of Gravelbourg and then on the Wood River to Old Wives Lake.

WSA expects flows will continue to rise and remain high over the next two weeks on lower reaches of Notukeu Creek and Wood River.

While no communities are at risk, high flows will likely impact numerous municipal roads and possibly some highway crossings, as well as Shamrock Regional Park.

WSA is watching levels at Lafleche Dam and plans to reduce flows in the coming days as conditions allow. These reductions would lessen impacts on the Wood River below its confluence with Notukeu Creek.

High flows are also observed at Wiwa Creek, possibly affecting Hodgeville.

WSA reminds the public that flows along water bodies can change rapidly at this time of year and urges the public to take caution.

In the event where a situation exceeds the coping capacities of the local authority or where the local authority requires extra support and/or resources, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) can provide additional assistance. SPSA can be reached by calling 1.800.667.9660, and further information on submitting a request for assistance can be found here.

WSA also advises communities at risk of imminent flooding can access support with the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP). The EFDRP provides financial, engineering and technical support to evaluate the potential flood risk to buildings and to identify options to mitigate the risk when flooding is imminent. Services include client discussions, site visits, hydrological and other technical evaluations, developing mitigation recommendations and cost share funding for permanent flood defenses and temporary relief through pumping.

For more information on EFDRP click here.

WSA will provide regular updates throughout the runoff period and as conditions change.

For further information, please contact:

Patrick Boyle

Water Security Agency

Moose Jaw

Phone: 306.631.6997

Email: patrick.boyle@wsask.ca