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Spring runoff in the RM of Meadow Lake appears to be easing, but officials said the latest blast of snow could create new challenges once it starts to melt.
The RM issued a local emergency on April 21 after a sudden rise in temperatures melted snow quickly and caused flooding in some areas.
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“We had 20 C, almost 23 C, and the snow was melting very fast and flooding areas,” said Tracy Smith-Mysko, administrator for the RM of Meadow Lake.
“Since then, the water levels are now decreasing, and the major culverts continue to flow well.”
The Water Security Agency (WSA) latest spring update said cooler temperatures had slowed runoff across Saskatchewan, though water already in the system would continue moving downstream.
For the Beaver River area near Meadow Lake, the agency said flows are above normal and still increasing, while the Makwa River is well above normal and likely has peaked. Morin Creek near Meadow Lake has seen very high flows, but is receding rapidly.
Smith-Mysko said the RM is continuing to prepare in case the new snow creates more problems.
“While the current snowfall may create some challenges once it begins to melt, we’re continuing preparations to address those potential issues that may arise,” she said.
She said conditions changed quickly earlier in the week.
“One day we were … 5 C or so, it was still cold and then the next day we go up to 23 C by the afternoon,” Smith-Mysko said.
“And then we turn around and have all this snow again, and it’s still snowing.”
Mysko said crews are still working in the area.
“We have graders out 24/7 and equipment on hand,” she said. “It’s been about as prepared as we can be.”
The SPSA said it has provided the RM of Meadow Lake with personnel as well as 40,000 sandbags, two sandbagger machines, several pumps and hoses.(Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency/Submitted)
She credited contractors Freedom Logging and Brander Brothers, along with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) and the Meadow Lake Fire Department, for their contributions to the response.
“They have been going above and beyond in their efforts for the RM,” Mysko said. “The community support has also been quite outstanding throughout this situation.”
The WSA said the Meadow Lake area saw high flows approaching peak levels, but temperatures over the weekend are expected to slow spring runoff, as overnight lows are forecast to fall below 0 C.
The agency also said new precipitation could add to flows in areas that still have significant snowpack once temperatures warm again.
Smith-Mysko said the RM will be watching closely to see how fast the latest snow melts.
“If we end up with a typical spring runoff, and the temperatures are freezing at night, or you’re 1 C, 4 Cor whatever,” she said, “conditions should be more manageable.”
SPSA helping other communities with flooding
The SPSA said it is also providing support to Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation after a request for assistance came on April 21. The agency provided a sand bagger and sand bags, it said.
The communities of Foam Lake, Pierceland and RM of St. Louis are also experiencing flooding conditions and the SPSA is in contact with the communities.
The Town of Foam Lake experienced some flooding on April 21, and declared a local emergency, SPSA said, and the situation is being monitored.
On April 22, the Village of Pierceland announced it had been dealing with ground water flooding its lift station and RM of St. Louis declared a local emergency due to flooding.
SPSA also said localized overland flooding and ice jamming has also affected areas around Lloydminster, Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge, Prince Albert, the Battlefords, Watrous, Melfort, Nipawin, Tisdale, Hudson Bay and Yorkton.
— with files from CJME News
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