Flooding Forecast For Churchill River

Monday, February 07, 2005 at 13:42

 

 

Large snowfall amounts recorded this winter could result in some flooding of the Churchill River system later this year.

 

Saskatchewan Watershed Authority spokesman Doug Johnson says spring flooding is a distinct possibility for a region that stretches from Cold Lake, Alberta over to the Manitoba border — right where the Churchill River system enters our province.

 

Johnson says the Lac La Ronge area recorded 150 per cent more precipitation than normal in the month of January alone.

 

And since November, the area has received 170 per cent above normal precipitation.

 

He says that is cause for concern and definitely will mean high water levels in La Ronge this spring, but he doesn’t know for certain yet if any flooding is in store.

 

Johnson adds Buffalo Narrows has received well above regular precipitation levels and could encounter similar conditions.

 

He says the situation could change somewhat, but residents should get their rubber boots ready for April and May.