Runoff in Qu’Appelle River system higher than expected: Water Security Agency

While flooding has not been a major issue for most of Saskatchewan this spring, the Water Security Agency is warning that runoff from the late-April snowstorm is greater than first predicted in the Qu’Appelle River system.

That means lake levels will rise higher than expected, and could create the potential for flooding on farms in the area.

“Runoff from the system’s two largest tributaries, the Moose Jaw River and Wascana Creek, are receding slower and contributing more volume than expected,” the agency said in a statement Wednesday.

“Smaller tributaries, such as Echo Creek, have seen a second peak due to this meltwater. This is resulting in flows higher and for a longer period than previously expected, and what would typically be observed during a snowmelt runoff event.”

That means water levels in the Crooked and Round lakes will be higher than previously expected, with Crooked Lake’s peak expected to be 0.25 to 0.45 metres above the previous estimate and Round Lake expected to rise 0.1 to 0.3 metres higher than previously forecast. Both lakes will likely hit their peaks next week, the agency added.

Other lakes in the Qu’Appelle Valley are already close to or past their peak levels, the agency added. Pasqua and Echo lakes are nearing their peaks, while Katepwa and Mission are receding slightly after peaking earlier this month.

Last Mountain Lake is also expected to rise 0.25 to 0.35 metres higher than initially expected, the agency noted.

“These peak flows and levels could result in localized flooding on agricultural lands,” the Water Security Agency said. “WSA reminds the public to take precautions near water bodies as flows can change quickly. If you see areas of high flow, please keep your distance.”

The agency said regular updates will be provided as conditions change during the runoff period.