The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority is warning local and area residents to use extreme caution on water bodies this winter, especially in the eastern part of the province. Representatives of the authority caution that many streams that do not normally flow in winter are flowing and could create potential unexpected hazards.
The risk of thin ice is greater than usual this year they say due to: high flows due to above-normal precipitation received, plus water releases being made to help alleviate spring flooding.
Excess water causes high water levels, fast stream flows and currents through lakes, all causing extremely serious thin ice hazards, especially on the Qu'Appelle system.
Especially vulnerable to thin ice is the Souris River downstream from Moose Mountain Creek, Moose Mountain Creek, Qu'Appelle River system and the lakes downstream from Craven, Assiniboine River, Red Deer River, Whitesand River and their tributaries.
Dangerous ice conditions also exist on the Good Spirit Lake outlet channel. The control gates letting water out of Good Spirit Lake are 100 per cent open, and the fast flows will create thin and unpredictable ice conditions. Snowmobilers are advised to stay off the channel for the entire winter. Open water can be found at the south end of Good Spirit Lake and at various spots in the channel north of Highway #229 between Good Spirit Provincial Park and Highway #9 north of Yorkton.
To reduce the potential for flooding, Good Spirit Lake has to be lowered to create the capacity for spring runoff. The risk for flood conditions next spring are considered very high. The Good Spirit Lake Watershed Association advises that the control gates on Good Spirit Lake will remain 100 per cent open and water will continue to flow out well into February of 2011. For inquiries, contact: (306) 694-3900.
