News

With Alberta receiving large amounts of rainfall over the past few days, the Water Security Agency (WSA) is increasing outflows from Gardiner Dam and will be operating the spillway to release water from Lake Diefenbaker.

Starting July 2, outflows from Gardiner Dam are expected to increase from approximately 270 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to 470 m³/s. On July 3, outflows are expected to increase further to approximately 770 m³/s.

Spillway operations are anticipated to continue from July 3 to July 25, with outflows then being gradually reduced to 270 m³/s. Additional increases in outflows may be required if conditions change due to further rainfall and increased inflows to Lake Diefenbaker.

Typical outflows for this time of year are around 160 m³/s, making these levels significantly above normal. This increase will cause the South Saskatchewan River to rise roughly two metres(m) through Moon Lake and 0.8m in Saskatoon.

Inflows to the lake are expected to be around 2,000 m³/s, normal for this time of year is 400 m³/s.

With the spillway gates in operation, WSA is urging the public to be cautious around Gardiner Dam and always keep a safe distance from the structure.

The South Saskatchewan River downstream of the dam to the City of Saskatoon will also rise and see an increase in velocity. Flows at this level can pose a serious safety risk for residents and recreational users in and around the water at this time of year.

WSA is advising the public to take extra caution and carefully assess any activities in and around water. Please obey all traffic laws when travelling across the dam and watch for pedestrians.

For updated information on Lake Diefenbaker operations, visit https://wsask.ca/recreation-environment/lake-diefenbaker-updates/

For more information, please contact WSA, 1.866.727.5420 or wsask.ca.

For media contact:
Comm@wsask.ca