The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority has begun winter releases of water from the Rafferty and Alameda reservoirs. The authority began the release on Nov. 22, increasing the flow of 0.
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority has begun winter releases of water from the Rafferty and Alameda reservoirs.
The authority began the release on Nov. 22, increasing the flow of 0.5 cubic metre per second up to five cubic metres per second, and the flow from Alameda was increased to three cubic metres a second.
This rate flow will be maintained through the winter until Feb. 1, said Environment minister Dustin Duncan.
"The intention is to bring the reservoir down to one metre below full capacity," he said, explaining that on Feb. 1, the Watershed Authority will go out and make their best estimate about how much runoff the area expects to see in the spring time.
The Watershed Authority deems the water release necessary to lower the reservoirs to provide storage space for spring flood protection, and to meet the water level requirements specified in the International Agreement on Water Supply and Flood Control in the Souris River Basin.
Residents are urged to use caution when crossing ice on the Souris River this winter, due to the risk of thin ice. The flow this winter will be well above normal flows.
Caution is also urged for use of the ice on the Rafferty, such as ice fishing; no ban is being contemplated at this time, said minister Duncan.
Stream flow under the ice is an extremely serious thin ice hazard. Ice thickness can vary significantly over short distances. People should use extreme caution around culverts and bridge crossings, and if going out onto the ice on the Souris River.
"As there's a lot of winter recreation around the reservoir, the water release may have an impact on the stability of theice. We just caution people to check the ice first before going out on it," said Duncan.
The Watershed Authority does not mark off potential hazards associated with ice conditions and those who choose to venture out onto the ice do so at their own peril. It is up to the individual to ensure that the ice is safe for the activities planned. The safest approach is to stay away from the river and stay off the ice.
