(Nicole Reis/ meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nicole Reis

HIGH STREAM LEVELS

Île-à-la-Crosse, Beauval and area to experience increased water flow

Jul 11, 2020 | 10:00 AM

With extremely wet conditions in recent days, the Water Security Agency (WSA) is advising high flows are expected to increase on the Beaver River, with peaks recently passing in the Beauval area. Île-à-la-Crosse levels are expected to peak in mid-July.

A spokesperson with WSA told meadowlakeNOW Île-à-la-Crosse and surrounding communities such as Buffalo Narrows and Patuanak are expected to have the same conditions continue. The Beauval area has exceeded its peak levels.

“For Île-à-la-Crosse and area, we’re seeing continued very high flows in those areas, so more moisture which could make the situation potentially more challenging but some of those peaks are still a few days off,” he said.

The spokesperson explained it’s difficult to precisely indicate where peaks are, but added high flow conditions are expected and could become challenging to overcome. He said the community of Île-à-la-Crosse has done a sound job working with Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) and the WSA with dyking and sandbagging in the community. That may sustain some damage in high flow situations.

“Île-à-la-Crosse could be characterized as being 90 per cent ready to deal with some of those high flows,” he said.

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The spokesperson projected lake elevation to increase by 0.8 of a meter in excess water. The Beaver River basin could see an increase of 50-75 mm though it may not necessarily affect the peak water index. Increases over the entire system should be expected.

“Île-à-la-Crosse may be more vulnerable to wind, where Buffalo Narrows and Patuanak are shielded from those effects that can cause the waves to blow and get higher peak levels,” he said. “The community preparedness is quite strong because they have experienced this before.”

Residents living along these areas are advised that high flows pose a safety risk and high water levels could damage property and infrastructure over the coming days.

Users are additionally advised to use caution around the watercourses as swift-moving water can pose a hazard and to take steps to protect property where necessary. Conditions can be dangerous and change rapidly.

Be aware of floating debris, unstable banks, and high water velocities.

WSA, the SPSA, and where necessary, the Ministry of Highways has been working with all communities at risk, implementing flood mitigation and infrastructure protection measures.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722