WSA Issues Advisory on Lake Diefenbaker Water Level
June 8, 2018 – In response to dry conditions over the headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River in southern Alberta, the Water Security Agency (WSA) is proactively managing Gardiner Dam outflows. This will help maintain more desirable levels on Lake Diefenbaker this summer, as well as safeguard against lower reservoir outflows later this year.
Outflows from Gardiner Dam will be reduced from 425 cubic metres per second (m3/s) to 100 m3/s over the next two weeks. This reduction is expected to result in water levels dropping downstream of Gardiner Dam on the South Saskatchewan River by an average of roughly one metre over the next two weeks. This will still be within the normal range for this time of year.
WSA is maintaining Lake Diefenbaker at a certain level to support the summertime recreational activities and downstream users. This decision was triggered by below normal rainfall in Southern Alberta over the last two months as well as high water use in Alberta, which resulted in declining inflows.
More updates and information will be issued as the situation evolves. For more information on stream flows and lake levels, visit https://www.wsask.ca/Lakes-Rivers/.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Boyle
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-8914
Email: Patrick.Boyle@wsask.ca
Cell: 306-631-6997