Lake Diefenbaker Updates
Lake Diefenbaker Updates
Lake Diefenbaker Forecast Overview
- Inflows to Lake Diefenbaker are expected to stay steady between 95-105 m³/s. The Inflows into Lake Diefenbaker remain close to upper quartile range for this time of year but are slowly receding. With freeze-up processes underway, inflows to Lake Diefenbaker are expected to drop closer to median levels next week.
- In preparation for the onset of freeze-up conditions, the outflow from Gardiner Dam was increased to 220 m3/s on Tuesday November 25. The operation plan is to continue releasing in this range.
- The reservoir is at 554.91 m. This level is near the median for this time of year. Based on the forecasted inflows, the reservoir elevation is expected to decrease by 0.23 m over the next 10 days. Water levels are expected to decrease over the next week as outflows have been increased for winter operations.
Hydrologic Conditions
- Based on the current forecast, freeze-up downstream of Prince Albert is expected to occur this weekend, the South Saskatchewan River upstream of Saskatoon is expected to freeze up early next week, while upstream of Lake Diefenbaker, freeze up is not expected until the second week of December.
- Water levels typically rise 0.8–1.2 m as ice forms and water is stored beneath the ice, which in turn causes downstream flows to drop significantly, often occurring over a short period of a few days. Therefore, during the freeze up process, flows are highly unpredictable and can be significantly different than the projected flow.
Plots
- Here are the updated plots showing 2025 observed inflows, outflows, and reservoir elevation compared to historical ranges with the forecasts.
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