Lac La Ronge is reaching its peak level. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Churchill River

Peak flows in the Churchill River system expected to approach record levels

Jun 26, 2020 | 1:31 PM

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is updating the High Streamflow Advisory for the Churchill River System to include additional details.

According to a media release, the high flow event making its way down the Beaver River is resulting in increasing flows below Green Lake. Peak flows are expected in the Beauval area in early July and Lac Ile-a-la Crosse is expected to peak in mid-July. Peak flows on the system are exceeding or expected to exceed 2017 levels and approach the record levels observed in 1974.

The WSA and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has been working with communities at risk, implementing flood mitigation measures. Lac La Ronge remains at elevated levels, and with the outlet structure fully open and drier conditions over the past week, it appears as if the lake is near peak.

However, with elevated water levels and moisture conditions throughout the basin, the threat of higher water levels remains. The release states with near record wet conditions throughout the Reindeer Lake basin, inflows to the lake are projected to reach record levels.

In the coming days, SaskPower will be increasing the spill from the Whitesand Dam from 620 cubic metres per second to 1,200 cubic metres per second, which would be a record for the structure. This increase in outflow from Reindeer Lake combined with above normal flows from upper portions of the Churchill River basin is expected to result in flows at Sandy Bay exceeding 2,000 m3/s in early July. This would be similar to the record flows observed in 2005 where a peak flow of 2,300 m3/s was observed.

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The WSA will be notifying downstream stakeholders. Flows are at well above normal at all locations east of Peter Pond Lake and will remain at above normal levels into the winter months.

The public is reminded to be aware of the potential flooding in the area and are advised to use caution around water within this basin as swift moving water can pose a hazard. Any landowners near the Beaver River are also advised to be aware of the situation and potential impacts to property.

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news@larongenow.com

Twitter: @larongeNOW