Well Above Normal Water Flows in Northern Saskatchewan

June 16 — The Water Security Agency (WSA) advises the public that water flows are above to well above normal across most of northern Saskatchewan. 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 and weeks. Further increases are expected from the rainfall received and expected this week. 

The combination of above normal precipitation over the past year, along with snowmelt runoff volumes, and recent rain is resulting in high flows across much of the north.

While flows are above normal throughout the Churchill River Basin, they remain below peaks observed in 2020. Flows in the Lake Athabasca area in the far northwest, including the Douglas, Macfarlane, and Fond du Lac rivers are all at or near record levels. Lake Athabasca is also rising rapidly and likely to approach the peak observed in August of 2020. Flows and levels in the Wollaston Lake area, including the Waterfound, Wheeler, and Geikie rivers, are also well above normal levels and approaching historical highs. 

The control structure at Lac La Ronge remains fully open and WSA plans to maintain Lac La Ronge closer to the lower end of its operating range, if conditions allow, to facilitate construction work at La Ronge Dam. 

WSA advises all users to use caution around the watercourses within the north as, swift moving water can pose a hazard, and to take steps to protect property where necessary.

Flows are likely to remain above normal throughout the 2021 open water season.

For more information, please contact:
Sean Osmar
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-630-4643
Email: Sean.Osmar@wsask.ca