High precipitation has been a problem in the northern sections of the province since April 1, 2020, with high flows and lake levels across the Churchill River and Lower Saskatchewan River basins.
Heavy rains followed during the months of June and July.
Aside from scattered thunderstorms, where some localized higher accumulations have been observed, most of the north received less than 10 mm of rainfall over the past three days.
High river and lake levels can be expected for the summer's remainder, such as the mainstem of the Churchill River into the autumn and winter.
Many locations saw an increase in flows and levels in response to the rainfall occurring over the past weekend (August 8-10), but have since stabilized or are declining.聽
The expected peak, or observed peak throughout the system, is generally slightly lower than historical highs.聽
However, flows and levels in the Lower Churchill River, including Reindeer River and Churchill River near Sandy Bay, have exceeded historical highs.聽
Below are specific conditions at locations in northern Saskatchewan accompanied with projected peak levels.
Ile a la Crosse
Present elevation: 421.14 metres.
Due to recent precipitation, levels at Lac Ile a la Crosse have increased to a new peak elevation. With no significant rain in the forecast for the area, levels are expected to drop slightly over the coming week, but will remain high for some time.
Lac La Ronge:
Current elevation: 364.95 metres. Projected peak: 364.96 m on or near August 21, 2020.
Recent rainfall had resulted in some increases in inflows near the lake. Inflows are once again receding and are believed to be very close to being equal to outflows.聽With no significant rainfall forecasted over the next six days, a peak at Lac La Ronge is expected to occur next week.
Sandy Bay:
Present Elevation:聽 9.6 m (2200 m3/s). Observed peak:聽10.14 m (2400 m3/s) on August 4.
Water levels at Sandy Bay reached a peak on August 4 and are now down about 0.44 metres. Flows and levels are expected to remain steady for the next two weeks.
Meeting Lake:
With warm and dry conditions over the past week, levels at Meeting Lake have been dropping. Meeting Lake has reached its outlet and is confirmed flowing into outlet channel. There鈥檚 no significant flow moving through outlet, as the lake is congested with thick vegetation. Berms around the lake should now be built to WSA recommended standard (739.83-740 m).
Cumberland House
Cumberland Lake has peaked and is receding. The lake is now down 1.2 metres from the peak observed in late July.聽Forecasted levels for Cumberland Lake are part of WSA鈥檚 10-Day Saskatchewan River Forecasts, which can be found聽at聽.
Jan, Amisk, and Deschambault Lakes:
Jan Lake peaked in late July, 54 mm above 2017 levels. While there isn鈥檛 current information for Deschambault or Amisk lakes, with the Sturgeon Weir River at Leaf Rapids appearing to be nearing its peak, Deschambault Lake has likely peaked and a peak at Amisk Lake can be expected prior to the end of the month.聽 Like Jan Lake, peaks slightly above 2017 levels are expected at Deschambault and Amisk lakes, unless significant, additional precipitation is observed.
Future Rainfall
Aside from the Lake Athabasca area, which is expected to receive upwards of 20 mm of rainfall today on Monday, August 17 (and into tomorrow), there鈥檚 minimal precipitation forecasted for the north over the next 5 + days.聽Currently, a system is forecasted to bring widespread rainfall to the north beginning on Thursday, August 20, but this is a projected weather pattern.
