SASKATCHEWAN — The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency provided updates on flooding conditions from across the province as of 9:30 a.m. on April 29. There are currently three local states of emergency that have been declared throughout Saskatchewan.
RM of Aberdeen
A local emergency was declared on April 22, and currently, there are no changes in the flooding status. An emergency service office (ESO) remains in contact with the municipality.
Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation
Conditions have stabilized, and equipment is no longer required.
Buchanan
Flooding is under control.
Canwood
Water levels remain manageable at this time.
Foam Lake
A local emergency was declared on April 21. The water has now receded and the situation has since stabilized. However, as temperatures begin to rise, a second wave of flooding may be a possibility. The community continues to monitor conditions closely.
RM of Invergordon
The emergency declaration on April 24 remains in place with no changes in the flooding status.
RM of Meadow Lake
An emergency was declared on April 21 and was extended on April 27. A few roads could wash out if the water levels rise, which may temporarily strand seven homes. Residents are aware and are prepared with emergency supplies. No additional resources are needed at this time and the ESO remains in contact.
Melville
Conditions are now stable and a permit has been submitted to move water along the Department of Highway roads.
Pierceland
The Beaver River is now flowing, and there are no changes in the flooding status.
RM of St. Louis
An emergency was declared on April 22, which remains in effect, but the flooding situation has stabilized.
RM of Elfros
A local emergency was declared on April 23, and while a few roads remain closed, overall conditions have stabilized.
Loon Lake
The community has requested equipment and manpower for flood protection. An ESO arrived on site Wednesday and will be there to support their needs.
The Water Security Agency issued a high flow advisory for a large portion of the province, from the Buffalo Narrows area to Yorkton. Cooler conditions have slowed down the rate of the snow melt, but the warmer forecast may change that.
“May 2 is the date when several communities with higher snowpack are forecasted to see those overnight lows above freezing. These conditions may result in rapid snow melt in areas where snowpacks remain or where runoff has not started yet. The accelerated melt could cause river flows to rise more rapidly and reach higher levels than forecasted, increasing the risk of localized overland flooding,” said Leah Clark, executive director of irrigation and economic development with the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA). The WSA will provide updates on their website daily going forward, and the advisory issued by the WSA for potential ice jams remains in place as formation conditions still exist.
“To date, the WSA proactively made 491 phone calls and follow-up emails, adding up to nearly 1,000 touch points with more than 140 municipalities, tribal councils and First Nations, providing information on conditions, flood mitigation programs or offering other assistance,” she added.
Many roads in the east-central region near Yorkton are seeing road closures. Dan Palmer with the Ministry of Highways said the department is closely monitoring problematic areas and the changing conditions across the province.
“We’re prepared with equipment and personnel to respond to emerging concerns as needed. We continue to have open lines of communication with the SPSA and the WSA. The key message is that travellers should check the Highway Hotline before heading out to see if water or flooding may affect their route and plan accordingly,” said Palmer.
