South Saskatchewan River flows to spike beginning Thursday

Rescue crews warn you to be river wise

The provincial Water Security Agency (WSA) is warning people to exercise caution around the South Saskatchewan River as it increases the outflows from Gardiner Dam on Thursday.

The agency says water levels could rise by up to 1.4 meters through Moon Lake and just over half a meter in Saskatoon, with flows increasing to about 700 cubic meters per second, up from around 280.

This comes at a time when outflows are already well above the seasonal average of 160 cubic meters per second, WSA says.

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“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 in a news release.

With an increase in flow, comes an increase in velocity. This could pose a serious safety risk for residents around the water or recreational users on it, according to the WSA.

WSA says the decision to increase the output from Gardiner Dam was made in anticipation of impacts from further rainfall in southern Alberta, where Environment Canada issued a warning this week, and inbound mountain runoff.

“WSA is taking a cautious approach to managing the reservoir after a large rainfall event in Alberta this week combined with a well above normal mountain runoff set to arrive the middle to end of June. Flows in the headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River in Alberta increased quickly in response to recent rainfall and warmer temperatures.”

With the spillway gates in use at the dam, WSA is asking people to stay a safe distance from the structure.

You can track updates from WSA on its operations at Lake Diefenbaker here.