SAFETY NOTICE: RIVER LEVEL FORECAST TO RISE AGAIN
For Release: Wednesday, May 21, 2014
The Water Security Agency (WSA) will be increasing outflows over the next few days from 800 cubic metres per second (m3/s) to 1000 m3/s. This will result in the current water level on the South Saskatchewan River downstream of Gardiner Dam rising by approximately 0.25 to 0.4 m. It’s anticipated that the higher river flows will remain in place for the remainder of May and into June.
This increase in outflow is a proactive release in response to the above normal snowpack in the mountains, above average lake level for this time of year and recent rainfall events in Alberta. No out-of-bank flooding is expected to occur as a result of this operation.
With this planned release and forecasted inflow over the next two weeks, WSA expects to lower the Lake Diefenbaker reservoir to provide additional flood storage in the event of above normal rainfall in late May and June.
The 10-day forecast for stream flows and any other relevant updates will be posted to the WSA’s website at wsask.ca.
Saskatoon Fire Department advises residents to exercise extreme care and caution around the river throughout this period of elevated water levels.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.