Lake Diefenbaker Updates
Lake Diefenbaker Updates
Updated July 30, 2026
Current Conditions
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Most headwater stations are continuing to decline slowly. Flows on the Oldman and Red Deer rivers are near lower quartile levels for this time of year, while flows on the Bow River are generally closer to median levels.
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With the continued hot and dry weather, Alberta diversions have remained strong. Declining headwater flows and continued diversions are contributing to lower inflows into Lake Diefenbaker.
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Inflows into Lake Diefenbaker are currently near median levels for this time of year and are expected to remain near median next week.
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Water levels on Lake Diefenbaker are currently near median and upper quartile levels for this time of year. Based on the current inflow and outflow forecast, the reservoir is expected to decline gradually over the next 10 days.
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Releases are planned to remain within the 270 to 300 m³/s operating range for the next while.
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Conditions will continue to be monitored closely, and outflows may be adjusted as needed based on updated forecasts and observed basin conditions.
Forecast Overview
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Inflows into Lake Diefenbaker are expected to gradually decrease over the next week before stabilizing near the end of the forecast period.
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Daily mean outflows are forecast to remain at approximately 270 m³/s throughout the 10-day forecast period.
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Lake Diefenbaker levels are expected to gradually decline from approximately 556.05 m to 555.74 m over the forecast period.
Note: Flows shown in the table above are mean (average) daily flows. Actual releases from Lake Diefenbaker may fluctuate throughout the day as SaskPower adjusts operations at Coteau Creek Hydro Station to meet electricity demands.
Hydrologic / Weather Conditions
Minimal precipitation was received across the South Saskatchewan River Basin headwaters this week, and no significant rainfall is currently forecast for the basin this weekend.
Below are the updated plots showing 2026 observed inflows and reservoir elevations compared to historical ranges.
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