Released on June 19, 2013
Although the spring melt is over, a number of Saskatchewan communities are still dealing with flood-related issues due to the above normal runoff. This situation has been made worse by heavy rainfall in certain areas. The Water Security Agency (WSA) in collaboration with various government ministries, agencies, Crown corporations and stakeholder groups will be providing a weekly update on the areas of most concern until the flood-related threats have subsided.
Water Security Agency
- Over the weekend, the Anglin Lake area received 125 mm of rain which pushed the lake to a new record level of 515.97 m. This was due to the above normal spring runoff combined with the recent rainfall;
- WSA officials have been monitoring Anglin Lake and have been trying to balance the situation upstream and downstream in order to mitigate flooding as much as possible but some out-of-bank flooding and flooding of municipal infrastructure like bridge crossings and roads is expected;
- The following municipalities and First Nations that may be affected are:
- Little Red River Park (a park located five minutes north of Prince Albert)
- RM of Buckland;
- RM of Paddockwood; and
- Little Red River Reserve.
- The water covering Highway 2 in the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert rose three inches due to the heavy rainfall in the area.
- There is currently 28 inches of water on the highway that needs to be pumped off, down from 40 inches at its highest peak.
- Before the weekend rainfall, WSA was moving two additional and larger pumps to help with the situation because levels in McFarlene Creek subsided enough that it could handle more water.
- Getting these pumps into the area has been a challenge because of the weather but they are expected to be in place this week.
Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure
- Highway 2, about 50 km north of the Waskesiu Access, was reopened to traffic the evening of June 17. The highway was closed due to a washout that occurred the morning of June 15. Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure crews expedited repairs by installing a new culvert in the channel while waters were still flowing.
- The following highways in northern Saskatchewan remain closed due to flooding or highway water levels (as of 8 a.m., Wednesday, June 19):
- Highway 916
- Highway 921
- Highway 936
- Highway 937
- Highway 939
- Highway 969 from north of Timber Bay to the Junction of Highway 165
- Motorists are advised to check the Highway Hotline before travelling in the region.
Ministry of Government Relations
Government Relations has been in contact with communities, First Nations and agencies responsible for management of flooding. The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre in Regina is actively monitoring the situation and will provide advice and assistance where needed. Emergency response teams and equipment are on alert and ready to respond if required.
PDAP
- Residents who have experienced damage to their homes due to flooding should visit www.gr.gov.sk.ca/PDAP or call 1-866-632-4033 for more information on the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program.
- PDAP staff have visited and provided information to the following communities affected by the heavy rains last weekend:
- RMs of Buckland, Paddockwood and Fish Creek and the City of Prince Albert. Staff have also visited the First Nations communities of Montreal Lake, James Smith Cree Nation and Little Red River Reserve.
- Currently 65 communities across Saskatchewan have received PDAP designation for spring flooding and eight other are in the process of designating.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Boyle
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-8914
Email: Patrick.Boyle@wsask.ca
Cell: 306-631-6997