Volunteers help Arborfield escape worst of northeast flooding

While some areas continue to deal with rising water, Arborfield appears to have escaped the worst-case scenario thanks to quick action from residents and town crews.

According to the town foreman, water levels turned “biblical” in less than 24 hours and came dangerously close to overtopping a bridge west of town near the Crooked River turnoff.

Residents and volunteers spent hours filling and placing sandbags along the bridge approach in an effort to hold the water back.

A residence on the western outskirts of the Town of Arborfield. (Image Credit: Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

“It could’ve been catastrophic,” the foreman said. “It really couldn’t have come much closer, and if it had, there would’ve been nothing we could do to stop it.”

The flooding threat came as waterways across northeast Saskatchewan surged to historic levels. The Water Security Agency (WSA) reported flows on parts of the Carrot River system reached or exceeded historical highs in recent days, particularly near Armley and Smoky Burn.

While flows in several upstream locations have started to recede, the WSA said water levels remain high downstream and conditions continue to be monitored closely. The agency also noted only limited snowpack remains in forested areas, though warmer weather could trigger additional runoff this week.

(Image Credit: Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

In Arborfield, the town’s existing flood protection measures played a major role in preventing widespread damage. Berms surrounding parts of the community helped contain water, while inflatable water barriers were prepared for use on key roadways if needed.

Though several basements have taken on small amounts of water, the foreman said most issues are tied to rising groundwater rather than direct floodwater entering homes.

Flooding is not unfamiliar territory for Arborfield residents. Major water events in 2006 and 2016 led the community to adopt long-term flood mitigation plans and prepare for what locals describe as a roughly 10-year flooding cycle.

Most homeowners keep sump pumps running year-round as a precaution.

The only significant infrastructure damage reported so far involves a motor at the town’s pump house, located just outside community limits. The motor, which supplies water to the town’s summer drinking water reservoir, was submerged for several hours and may cost approximately $10,000 to repair or replace.

Travel in the region also remains a concern. The bridge connecting Arborfield and Carrot River over the Carrot River has reportedly become unstable due to high water conditions.

Meanwhile, the Pasquia Golf Course is reeling from devastating floodwater that has submerged its land.

Elsewhere in Saskatchewan, the WSA said conditions are beginning to improve in some regions. Water levels along the Saskatchewan River below the Forks have started receding, while spill operations at the E.B. Campbell Dam are gradually being reduced.

High water levels and partial flooding just north of Melfort at the Melfort Creek bridge crossing on Highway 3 (Image Credit: Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

Still, Arborfield officials say the community is not out of danger yet.

Their biggest concern now is the possibility of heavy rainfall later this spring or summer, particularly if more runoff pours down from the Pasquia Hills — a situation residents say has historically caused the most destructive flooding in the area.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8

by Ben Tompkins

Volunteers help Arborfield escape worst of northeast flooding

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