Sturgeon, Spruce and Garden Rivers record historically high flows  

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On April 26, the District of Lakeland said 105 inches, or 8.75 feet, of snow fell this winter. (Image Credit: screenshot/District of Lakeland)

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Not all of the North Saskatchewan River basin is in trouble at the moment, as flows on the river near Deer Creek, Borden and Prince Albert are going down with no significant snowpack remaining.  

Three of its tributaries (Sturgeon, Spruce and Garden Rivers) are another story, however, and are expected to increase with snow still melting in those areas. All three have recorded historically high flow rates.  

The issues have been brought on by a fast melt of a significant amount of snow, measured by the District of Lakeland at 105 inches in April 26. The additional dump of snow that fell in April was heavy and wet.  

The normal ratio of snow melted down to water is 10:1 for normal snow, meaning between 10 and 20 inches of water have flooded streams and tributaries in the last week to 10 days.  

The snow impacts the central belt of Saskatchewan which is the same belt that experienced flooding beginning in Meadow Lake several weeks ago and is now concentrated in the middle and eastern portions of the province.  

Historic levels were also seen in the Quill Lakes basin, but have now peaked and are receding.  

Fishing Lake and Good Spirit Lakes continue to rise as they absorb water from the historic discharge from the Assiniboine River system.  

Lake Winnipegosis and its tributaries are above normal, especially near Archerwill, Steen, Shand Creek and Hudson Bay.  

People living along the Carrot River are seeing some relief as that flooded system abates, with the exception of Kinistino.  

Historic flows were observed near Armley and Smoky Burns.  

The Saskatchewan River below the Forks is abating and Tobin Lake is starting to see water receding. The Torch River has peaked from it’s historic flows but could still see some issues as weather melts the remaining snow.  

Cumberland Lake will increase over the week before peaking next weekend.  

The Beaver River in the Meadow Lake area did see some flooding but has been declining since May 3 and the Makwa River peaked on April 23. Other creeks an in the region are also declining.

*with files from CKOM 

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com