Flood threat continues in Saskatchewan as heavy rain looms

Officials warn 20 to 40 mm of rain could worsen flooding as saturated ground leads to higher runoff and rising water levels.

Flood risks remain high in parts of the province as the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) warns heavy rain expected in the coming days could worsen conditions in already saturated areas.

In an update Thursday afternoon, the SPSA said 11 communities remain under states of emergency due to rising water levels.

Those communities include the rural municipalities of Barrier Valley, Big River, Buckland, Buchanan, Leroy, Meadow Lake, Ponass Lake, Prairie Rose, Usborne and Wolverine, as well as Sturgeon Lake First Nation, according to SPSA communications manager Jeff DeDekker.

He urged residents to remain cautious as the Victoria Day long weekend approaches, noting there is potential for a major storm.

The Water Security Agency says significant rainfall is expected across most of Saskatchewan over the next several days.

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Leah Clark, the agency’s executive director of irrigation and economic development, says the additional rain could lead to higher river flows and faster snowmelt in areas where snow remains.

“In the northern parts of Saskatchewan, areas that are currently experiencing active snowmelt or above-normal runoff may see more significant responses, and as a result, water levels on rivers and creeks may rise at this time,” she said.

Forecasts indicate about 20 to 40 millimetres of precipitation, beginning as rain and potentially transitioning to snow later in the week, with higher amounts possible in localized areas.

Clark says much of the northwest has already seen well above normal runoff, leaving soils saturated and limiting how much additional water the land can absorb — increasing the risk of rapid runoff events.

“We saw record flows in certain areas, especially on the Carrot River. Smoky Burn did see the highest-ever water flow record, at nearly 1,000 cubic metres per second. Normally this flow would be around 200. To put that in perspective, at 1,000 cubic metres per second, that’s enough water to fill Mosaic Stadium to the top in under 20 minutes,” she said.

Flooding is also affecting highways. The Ministry of Highways says there are currently five highway closures due to flooding, along with roughly 20 additional incidents involving water on roads.

Closures include:

• Highway 914 north of Pinehouse, where a bridge washout has closed the road since May 8
• Highway 165 at the Smoothstone River Bridge, closed since May 5 after a bridge washout
• Highway 789 near Highway 690, where water is over Birch Road and barricades are in place
• Highway 320 east of Domremy, closed due to a washout
• Highway 310 south of Highway 16, where a washout has damaged the road and a detour is in place

The ministry is urging drivers to check the Highway Hotline before travelling and again before returning home.