Water Security Agency Drought Preparation
Due to the well below normal precipitation Saskatchewan has faced the last few years, the Water Security Agency (WSA) is keeping an eye on the sky and has implemented a conservative approach to how water levels are operated to ensure all users of our reservoirs continue to have a sustainable and reliable water supply this spring and summer.
Reservoirs
Most reservoirs are near or above average elevation for this time of year. This is because the precipitation that has been received has occurred at the right time allowing us to retain an adequate water supply.
Thirty-three (33) out of 45 major reservoirs – three quarters – are near full or are expected to fill, while another six reservoirs are between 70 to 90 per cent full and still filling. The remaining six reservoirs will likely not fill, most of these are in southwestern Saskatchewan.
WSA is monitoring water supply reservoirs closely to allow us to adapt to dry conditions if required and working internally and across government to identify opportunities and programming to support residents in times of drought.
Forecasted Levels for Major Reservoirs and Rivers
Lake Diefenbaker Reservoir
Because of lower-than-normal inflows in 2024, WSA has moved up its targeted reservoir levels for Lake Diefenbaker. WSA’s goal is to achieve the targeted level for irrigation and recreational users earlier in the season. For example, the target April reservoir level is 552m, which is normally the May target; while the May target is 553m, normally a June target. These levels throughout the summer months will keep the reservoir in the normal operating range. Depending on the amount of inflows this spring, adjustments to outflows will be made accordingly.
See Historical Lake Diefenbaker Inflows
See Lake Diefenbaker Overwinter Operating Plan
Rafferty, Boundary and Grant Devine Reservoirs
With near normal conditions at freeze-up in 2023 and well below normal snowpack, the snowmelt runoff was below normal above the three reservoirs, and below normal below the reservoirs. With the dry conditions in the basin, no additional releases will be required.
As of April 1, 2024, the Boundary Reservoir has filled this spring. Any excess water from Boundary will be diverted to Rafferty. Currently, Rafferty Reservoir is expected to be in the normal operating range.
Southwest Reservoirs
In the Big Stick Lake Basin near Maple Creek, the limited snowpack caused very little inflow to reservoirs. A similar situation exists in other areas of the southwest, with minimal snowmelt runoff. More precipitation is needed this spring to reach a full supply level. The Big Stick Lake Basin is implementing restrictions for irrigation use until conditions improve.
Qu’Appelle System
All lakes within the Qu’Appelle River Basin are at near normal levels for this time of year. Most lakes, including Buffalo Pound, Echo, Katepwa and Last Mountain are expected to be in the normal summer operating ranges.
North and South Saskatchewan River Flows
Flows into Saskatchewan on the South Saskatchewan River this year were near record low, second only to 2001 when total annual flows were lower. Flows on the North Saskatchewan River are near normal; the drought is not currently affecting these rivers.
Snowpack
The remaining snowpack in the mountains is well below normal because of last winter’s warmer temperatures. Alberta’s winter precipitation is also currently below normal.
Drought Response for Stakeholders & Communities
Communities
WSA will continue to assess drought risk including further identifying communities that may have issues with their drinking water supplies.
If your community is interested in working with WSA towards a community specific drought plan, please contact our Client Services Branch at 1.866.727.5420 or client.service@wsask.ca.
Agriculture
WSA is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation to ensure that we have a
co-ordinated approach to provide appropriate support to producers. We will continue to provide timely support to the Ministry of Agriculture for agricultural drought programs Agricultural Drought Programs and Resources | Drought in Saskatchewan | Government of Saskatchewan.
To contact Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporate, please visit: Homepage | SCIC