Nistowiak Falls is where Lac La Ronge meets the Churchill River. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Looking at levels

Precipitation decreases, but high flows and lake levels remain in Northern Sask.

Aug 4, 2020 | 12:53 PM

Since April 1, Northern Saskatchewan received extremely high rainfall, which resulted in high flows and lake levels across the Churchill River and Lower Saskatchewan River basins.

Most of the rainfall came in June and July. Rain levels over the last week have been minimal, especially over the Churchill River and Lower Saskatchewan River basins — accumulation there has ranged from 0 to 10 mm.

While rainfall has tapered, the higher river and lake levels can be expected for the rest of the summer, and in cases such as the Churchill River, can remain high for fall and winter, according to the Water Security Agency.

In most areas the flows and water levels in the Reindeer River and Churchill River near Sandy Bay, exceeded previous historical highs.

The Water Security Agency provided a list of specific conditions at several locations.

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Ile a la Crosse:

The present elevation is at 421.08 m, which the agency says appears to be the peak level. The elevation is expected to remain high for some time, resulting in a risk of wind and wave action resulting in short-term higher levels.

Lac La Ronge:

The present elevation is at 364.93 m and is projected to peak at 364.96 m on or near Aug. 19.

There’s been minimal rain throughout the basin over the last week, inflows appear to have peaked late last week and lake level rises also slowed in response. The current forecast showed the lake peaking at the same 2011 peak levels.

Sandy Bay:

The present elevation is at 10.13 m. (2400 m3/s) and is forecasted to peak at 10.15 m (2420 m3/s) on or near Aug. 4.

SaskPower started reducing outflows at the Whitesand Dam. The reduction is intended to offset higher flows from arriving upstream. The agency expects water levels will crest at Sandy Bay today, and remain near peak levels for several days.

Meeting Lake:

• Spiritwood station received only trace amounts of precipitation over the past 10 days.
• Spiritwood has recorded 247 mm of Precipitation since April 1, 2020
• July 29, 2020, lake level is 739.48 m, which is unchanged from July 22.
• A current elevation is not available, but it is expected that outflow and evaporation since the last observation has only resulted in a small reduction in the elevation.
• Outlet spill elevation is 739.23 m (25 cm lower than current lake level)
• Meeting Lake has reached its outlet and is confirmed flowing into outlet channel
• There is not significant flow moving through outlet currently as it is congested with thick vegetation.
• Berms around the lake should now be built to WSA recommended standard (739.83-740 m)

Cumberland House:

The levels in Cumberland Lake have peaked and are receding. The forecasted levels for Cumberland Lake are part of the agency’s 10-day Saskatchewan River Forecasts.

Jan, Amisk, and Deschambault Lakes:

The agency does not have up to date information for those lakes, but they are expected to be near peak — close to 2017 levels.

Future rainfall:

There will be some scattered showers over western areas of the province’s North today that could lead to accumulations of 5 mm. Minimal precipitation is expected over the work week. But there is heavier precipitation forecasted for the weekend in northwestern areas, including western portions of the Churchill River Basin. There are current forecasts suggesting 30 to 50 mm is possible, but will be monitored going forward.

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panews@jpbg.ca