SASKATCHEWAN — The number of Saskatchewan communities under flood-related states of emergency has nearly been cut in half over the past two days, but officials warn some rivers and basins have yet to reach their peak.
Monday afternoon, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has released updated information regarding flooding conditions throughout the province.
On May 10, 34 communities had declared states of emergency involving flooding and, as of May 11, that number had dropped to 18. These communities include the hamlet of St. George’s Hill, the resort villages of Charney Beach and Leslie Beach, the rural municipalities of Aberdeen, Barrier Valley, Big River, Buchanan, Buckland, Garden River, Invermay, Moose Range, Paddockwood, Prairie Rose, St. Louis, Usborne and Wolverine, along with the village of White Fox and the Sturgeon Lake First Nation.
The SPSA has emergency services officers in contact with each of the communities, providing assistance and equipment as needed.
The Water Security Agency said that while some areas have begun to recede, other basins have not yet reached their peak, with flows continuing to rise due to persistent snowpack. Areas north of the Assiniboine Basin, the east-central area and regions where snowpack remains may see a surge or higher flows than currently being experienced.
“These increased flows could produce similar or slightly higher peaks than observed already, in particular at the Assiniboine River near Kamsack. Above normal flows are expected to continue for the next several days,” said Leah Clark with the WSA.
She added that the WSA has seen record flows in certain areas on the Carrot River and that Smoky Burn showed the highest water flow ever recorded at nearly 1,000 cubic metres per second, the equivalent of one Olympic-sized swimming pool of water every three seconds. Normally, water flow would be around 200 cubic metres per second.
Ministry of Highways representative Devin Pacholik said crews and equipment continue to address emerging issues and monitor high-risk areas. He also encouraged motorists to consult the Highway Hotline before travelling, as highway conditions can shift rapidly with changing water levels.
“Swift moving water is impacting infrastructure by weakening roadbeds, eroding bridge approaches and contributing to ongoing challenges across the network. We assure you that crews are working diligently to maintain access on highways and restore normal traffic flow as quickly and safely as possible. All available ministry resources are being directed to the areas that are most affected by flooding,” said Pacholik.
He also said culverts are being repaired or replaced as necessary to manage water flow, and pumps are being deployed in locations where existing culvert capacity is insufficient to help keep roads passable. Pacholik said there are six provincial highway closures related to flooding and roughly eight incidents involving water on the road.
“This is a dynamic situation, which is why it's important to check the Highway Hotline regularly. Be alert, drive to current road conditions, watch for signage and obey all flag persons. And again, the ministry appreciates the patience and understanding with those delays.”
