August 26, 2005
A heavy, slow-moving storm has brought 40 to 60 mm of rain to most areas of the Churchill River watershed in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Predicted crest elevations for the Manitoba portion of the river from the Saskatchewan boundary to Leaf Rapids have been increased by one foot.
Crests are now expected to be two to 2.5 feet higher than those of November 1997, which were the highest on record.
Total additional rises from this morning’s levels will range from three to four feet depending on location.
Rainfall was somewhat less in the northern-most portions in Saskatchewan.
This rain has fallen on a saturated watershed and is expected to produce heavy additional runoff.
The full effects of the storm will not be known until early next week.
The province is assisting with the construction of the clay dike at Pukatawagan. Diking operations are also underway at some lodges near Leaf Rapids. The province will continue to assess the flood potential.
Churchill River levels are now rising more rapidly from the Sandy Bay area of eastern Saskatchewan to Pukatawagan.
The level at Sandy Bay rose 1.34 feet during a 48-hour period that ended this morning, while the level at Pukatawagan rose 0.82 feet.
Rises at Granville Lake and Leaf Rapids were less than 0.3 feet, but levels will increase over the weekend.
First Nations and other communities from the Saskatchewan boundary to Leaf Rapids are advised to prepare for the higher predicted crests.
Diking operations are underway at Pukatawagan and at some lodges near Leaf Rapids.
Fishers are advised to protect their equipment from the anticipated record-high river levels and stronger-than-usual currents as best possible.
Outflows from Southern Indian Lake may be increased next month to maintain the lake within its operating range. The lake is presently 0.4 feet below the top of the range.
Flooding continues from Missi Falls to near Churchill Manitoba.
Diversions to the Rat River and Burntwood River systems have been limited due to high levels on the Nelson River at Split Lake.
River monitoring and forecasting will continue and the next update for the Churchill River will be issued on Monday, Aug. 29.
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