WSA warns of high water levels in Beaver River after heavy rain in Alberta

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is advising residents around Beaver River to anticipate high flows in the coming days because of recent rains in Alberta. 

Between 80 and 120 mm of rain was recorded at the headwaters of Beaver River at the beginning of June. Flows have doubled about 120 m3/s (cubic metres per second) to 240 m3/s near the Alberta and Saskatchewan border, which can result in water levels rising about 1.5 metres. 

Beaver River at Dorintosh near Meadow Lake Provincial Park recently recorded increased flows from 135 m3/s to 165 m3/s, with water levels rising by about 0.5m. 

Flow and water levels are expected to continue rising in the coming days as the water continues to move through the system. Some out-of-channel flow and localized flooding of agricultural land is possible.