Lenore Lake
Current Conditions
Lenore Lake, which has joined with St. Brieux Lake is currently at the highest recorded level since monitoring began in 1995. As a semi-closed basin, the lake naturally experiences significant fluctuations in water levels depending on annual snowmelt runoff and rainfall. In spring 2026, the Lenore Lake basin, like many areas of the province, experienced a high snowpack and rapid melt, resulting in increased runoff into the lake and contributing to the current high-water levels.
Water is currently flowing out of Lenore Lake through culverts located at Prairie Grains Road, which act as the primary outlet to Frog, Middle, and Basin lakes. At this time, both Frog and Middle Lakes are at full supply, and water is flowing into Basin Lake. The RM of Three Lakes is actively inspecting and clearing these culverts on a regular basis to ensure water continues to flow effectively and to prevent blockages from natural debris.
The Water Security Agency (WSA) is working closely with the local MLAs, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), the RM of Three Lakes, the RM of Lake Lenore, and the Town of St. Brieux to:
- Monitor conditions and water levels in the basin.
- Support local response efforts.
- Assist with data collection and forecasting.
- Support to the Lake Lenore Goosehunting Creek Watershed Association.
Water levels in the lake are expected to remain higher than normal for the foreseeable future due to the naturally flat lay of the land that does not allow for rapid movement of water through the system. Although culverts have been opened since runoff, it is expected to take months before any significant impact on the overall lake level will be noticed.
Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program
The Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP) provides assistance to implement emergency flood protection measures to protect buildings and/or groundwater wells when faced with imminent risk of flooding. This program supports temporary pumping and permanent flood mitigation projects including construction of berms and dykes, installation of culverts and gates, channel improvements, permanent diversion works, etc. However, this program does not cover costs associated with building repairs or loss of contents. Full EFDRP info can be found here.
Provincial Disaster Assistance Program
When looking for support to replace damaged or lost items or damage to buildings, it is important to contact your insurance provider to discuss coverage that may be in place under any existing insurance policies. If the losses were uninsurable, then there may be support available under the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP). More information on PDAP can be found here: Provincial Disaster Assistance Program | SPSA or by contacting 1-866-632-4033, or by contacting your local municipality.
Located north of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Lenore Lake is part of a semi-closed basin, meaning it has no defined outlet, and water movement is restricted by a flat prairie landscape. The waterbody is relatively shallow and prone to severe water level fluctuations.
The last time the water was at a comparable level was 2011. When it gets to these levels, water naturally spills to the west into Frog, Middle and Basin Lakes. Once Lenore Lake floods and spills, the cycle repeats at Frog and Middle Lakes before finally reaching Basin Lake, which has no outlet. This causes water levels to fluctuate significantly.
Water historically flowed into Lake Lenore from Waldsea, Deadmoose and Houghton lakes, however, in 2010, Environment Canada issued an order to close the culvert at Grid 777 to halt the transport of saline water from Waldsea, Deadmoose and Houghton Lakes into Lenore Lake.
During drier years, mudflats appear along the shoreline providing habitat for a number of bird species, making the lake and Important Bird Area. In the fall, tens of thousands of ducks and geese will flock to the area for staging before the annual fall migration. The lake is also home to the Piping Plover, Double-Crested Cormorant and American White Pelican.
The lake is within the region managed by the Lake Lenore Goosehunting Creek Watershed Association, whose members include the RM’s of Humboldt, Lake Lenore, Three Lakes, Kinistino, St. Peter’s and Flett’s Spring.
The Watershed Association has worked with the WSA to explore outlet options for the lake. There are no easy solutions, but in 2019 a study was done to assess the potential of creating an outlet for the lake through Goosehunting Creek. Work to find a long-term solution to manage water levels has recently been reignited, with a Watershed Association meeting scheduled for Summer 2026.
An Experienced Team
We love our Saskatchewan waterways, and we also know a lot about them. If you need help finding information or determining if your shoreline or water-related project needs a permit, we can help! Use the contact form or give us a call to get started.