Sask. flood risk continues as warmer weather approaches

Flooding has started to stabilize in several Saskatchewan communities, but provincial officials warn the risk is not over as warmer weather moves in.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said several communities remain under watch after rapid snowmelt caused localized flooding, road closures and emergency declarations in some parts of the province during a news conference with members of the media on Wednesday.

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“Cooler conditions over the past several days have slowed snowmelt, but temperatures are forecasted to gradually increase over the coming days,” said Leah Clark, executive director of irrigation and economic development with the Water Security Agency.

Clark said overnight lows are expected to remain above freezing later this week in areas with higher snowpack.

“These conditions may result in rapid snow melt in areas where snow pack remain or where runoff has not started yet,” she said. “The accelerated melt could cause river flows to rise more rapidly and reach higher levels than forecasted, increasing the risk of localized overland flooding.”

As of Wednesday, the SPSA said conditions were stable in several communities, including Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, where equipment was being picked up because it is no longer required.

In Foam Lake – where a local emergency was declared on April 21 – officials said water has now receded, and the situation has stabilized. However, the agency warned warmer weather could bring a second wave of flooding.

In the RM of Meadow Lake, a local emergency declared on April 21 was extended to April 27. Officials said a few roads could wash out if water levels rise, temporarily stranding seven homes. Residents are aware of the risk and have emergency supplies ready.

“Preparations have been made to have them prepared to evacuate if necessary,” Jeff Dedeker, SPSA manager of communication, said during the briefing.

Steve Roberts, acting president of the SPSA, said the flooding across Saskatchewan has remained localized.

“All our flooding has been localized,” Roberts said. “So again, impacting relatively small levels of communities. We’re not talking large water bodies at this point.”

Roberts said those situations can often be managed locally, with provincial support when needed.

The SPSA said three local states of emergency remain active: the RM of Elfros, the RM of Invergordon and the RM of Meadow Lake. Several others have expired in the past 24 hours. The Village of Loon Lake has requested equipment and manpower for flood protection.

Highways are also being affected. Dan Palmer, senior communications consultant with the Ministry of Highways, said Highway 310 has closures north and south of Highway 16 near Foam Lake. Highway 357 is also closed near the junction of Highway 8 south of Kamsack.

Water is impacting traffic on Highway 309 east of Ebenezer and on Highway 8 north of Langenburg.

“The key message here is, check that Highway Hotline before you’re heading out on your routes,” Palmer said. “Conditions can change rapidly, and so, of course, can the roads.”

Clark said the Water Security Agency has made nearly 1,000 contact points with more than 140 municipalities, tribal councils and First Nations.

She said areas with remaining snowpack remain the biggest concern.

“There’s a little bit north of Lloydminster, and then going to north-central Saskatchewan,” Clark said. “It comes down south a little bit to just east of Saskatoon. And then north of that Yorkton area, we’re still seeing some snow pack.”

Officials said the province is still dealing with a mix of overland flooding, snowmelt and river activity.

“It’s really hard to quantify at this time,” Clark said. “It’s a mix of everything, really.”

The Water Security Agency is expected to post updated flood maps online and provide daily updates going forward as the spring melt progresses.