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The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency is urging everyone to be cautious around the South Saskatchewan River, as it plans to release a large volume of water from Lake Diefenbaker this weekend.
The agency said it plans to release water from the man-made lake using the spillway at the Gardiner Dam, which will increase the river’s flow from around 280 cubic metres per second up to about 700 cubic metres per second. The release is expected to cause the river to rise about 1.4 metres in the Moon Lake area and about 0.6 m in Saskatoon.
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The move to release water from the reservoir is a response to recent precipitation in Alberta, which the agency said has increased the flow of water coming into the lake.
“Typical flows for this time of year are around 160 m³/s, making these levels significantly above normal,” the agency said in a statement.
“There could be further increases in outflows if the situation shifts and requires adjustments. No out of bank flooding is expected because of the increase.”
The agency said it is taking “a cautious approach to managing the reservoir” due to the recent rainfall in Alberta, combined with a forecast showing runoff levels well above normal later this month.
With flow rates set to more than double this weekend, the agency urged caution around both the river and the Gardiner Dam.
“Flows at this level can pose a serious safety risk for residents and recreational users in and around the water at this time of year,” the agency said.
Saskatoon Fire Department asks resident to ‘keep their distance’ from water’s edge
Once the Water Security Agency releases the water from Lake Diefenbaker through the Gardiner Dam on Sunday, Sean Thody, deputy Saskatoon fire chief, said the significant increase in water flow, along with the rising river levels means potential dangers in and around around the South Saskatchewan River.
Firefighters may not be able to rescue a person or pet, if they fall into the water.
“When we get to flow rates above that 500 (cubic metres per second) is when we can’t send in our divers into the water because the current is too strong and it becomes a safety issue,” explained deputy chief Sean Thody with the Saskatoon Fire Department.
He said there will also likely be significant debris in the river, including “dead heads” – logs that float just below the surface of the water and aren’t easily seen. Those logs can damage hulls, motors, propellers and other equipment.
The Fire Department is working with the Meewasin Valley Authority and will monitor the water flows and will advise everyone including recreational user groups of the greater flow rate. The following guidelines are suggested for those who plan to be on the river this weekend, and next week.
- <250 m³/s – Novice paddler; flat water conditions
- 250–400 m³/s – Intermediate paddler; those with moving water experience
- 400–600 m³/s – Expert paddler; paddlers with moving water experience
- 600–800 m³/s – Only expert paddlers with whitewater experience
- >800 m³/s – Dangerous – Stay off the water
He also offered a reminder that swimming in the river is prohibited and viewing the weir should be done from a safe distance.
Thody said if someone does get caught in the river, they should stay calm, try and keep their head above the water, remove any heavy or bulky clothes and move with the current rather than fighting against it while also trying to swim closer to shore.
