RCMP are receiving calls about children swimming under the Montreal River bridge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

public advisory

Lac La Ronge expected to exceed 2011 levels, RCMP issue warning to swimmers

Jul 28, 2020 | 4:15 PM

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is forecasting the peak for Lac La Ronge to be higher than what was experienced in 2011.

Over the weekend, the WSA measured 37 millimetres of rainfall in La Ronge, putting the region well ahead of the average precipitation rate for July. That sudden amount of rain is the reason WSA has released new data on its water level forecast.

Water levels on Lac La Ronge since January 2020. (Water Security Agency)

“WSA is currently developing a high-water reference map to detail the anticipated flood level (including wind and wave) for the communities of La Ronge and Air Ronge,” a news release said. “This map, along with local knowledge of the 2011 event, will provide a basis for flood prevention measures in the coming days and weeks prior to peak.”

The current elevation of Lac La Ronge is 364.88 metres with the projected peak being 364.98 m on or near August 23.

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La Ronge RCMP issue warning to swimmers

La Ronge RCMP are also warning tri-community residents against swimming in strong currents such as at the Montreal River bridge.

“We’re starting to get some calls from concern citizens that have been noticing children, in particular, swimming underneath the Montreal River bridge and the current is quite high and fast there right now,” Acting-Staff Sgt. Josh Hallett said. “I was over there a few times myself today and water levels are high and it is moving very quickly through there. We recommend not swimming in that area. We would hate to have any sort of trouble there with the current and how it is going.”

Environment Canada currently has a heat warning in effect for La Ronge and the forecast is calling for clear, sunny skies for the next seven days. The highs during those days will vary from 26 C to 30 C.

“With the heat we are finally starting to get now, I understand it’s enticing to want to get out there and get swimming and there certainly are safe places to swim,” Hallett said. “We are just recommending to stay away from those fast-current areas right now.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno