The Montreal River pours into Lac La Ronge, which is expected to peak Aug. 9. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

northern update

Cumberland House, Île-à-la-Crosse water levels set to peak this week

Jul 20, 2020 | 5:12 PM

Water levels near Cumberland House and Île-à-la-Crosse are expected to peak in the coming days.

That’s according to the Water Security Agency, which issued an update for northern Saskatchewan this afternoon. It shows the region has received extremely high cumulative precipitation since April 1, resulting in high flows and lake levels across the Churchill River Basin. The data reveals cumulative rainfall since April 1 is near record.

This map shows the precipitation received since April 1. (Water Security Agency)

“High river and lake levels can be expected for the remainder of summer and, in some cases, into the fall and winter,” the update states. “In most areas flows and water levels are expected to peak, or have peaked, slightly lower than previous historical highs. Flows and levels in the lower Churchill River, Reindeer River and Churchill River near Sandy Bay, are expected to exceed previous historical highs.”

For Cumberland House, the forecasted peak is set for July 22 at 267.79 metres. It was 267.69 m as of July 20 at 9 a.m. Île-à-la-Crosse is also expected to peak this week on July 25 at 421.1 m. It was 421.97 m on July 20.

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Île-à-la-Crosse water levels since the end of April. (Water Security Agency)

Lac La Ronge, which is currently at an elevation of 364.78 m, is expected to peak Aug. 9 at 364.83 m. Sandy Bay is expected to peak Aug. 13 at 10.1 m. Its present elevation is 9.76 m.

Lac La Ronge water levels since January. (Water Security Agency)

“Central portions of the Churchill River Basin are expected to receive upwards of 10 millimetres of rainfall today,” the update states. “Additional rainfall is expected mid-week with potential accumulations of 20 mm possible.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno