UPDATE: CITY PREPARES FOR HIGH RIVER LEVEL FROM ALBERTA FLOOD More water is on its way from the Gardiner Dam and as a result, the City of Saskatoon continues to prepare for what are expected to be levels not seen on the South Saskatchewan River in more than 100 years. The Water Security Agency began releasing 2000 m3/s at noon Saturday June 22, 2013. That flow rate is expected to reach its peak in Saskatoon by mid-afternoon Sunday, June 23. This means the river will likely rise approximately 30 cm (1’) above than what the city experienced in 2005. Activity in – and around – the river should be avoided immediately. The strong current has already broken the river boom and safety net just upstream from the weir. Swimming in the South Saskatchewan River is prohibited within city limits. The strong river current, a shifting riverbed, and steep, slippery banks makes playing and swimming in the river extremely dangerous, if not fatal, in the present situation. However, the City of Saskatoon is not anticipating any residential home flooding as a result of the increasing water inflows. Over the coming days evacuees from the northern community of Cumberland House will arrive in Saskatoon. Some of those who have been displaced from their homes due to severe flooding will be accommodated at the Henk Ruys Soccer Centre. As always, The City of Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization is communicating closely with the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency and Emergency Management Fire Safety (EMFS) to monitor the situation, make necessary adjustments, and keep citizens well informed as new information is received. Saskatoon’s Water Supply The City would like to reassure citizens that the water supply remains safe and everyone can expect to continue to have access to high quality water. Road & Trail Closures Because of the rising water the City of Saskatoon is taking precautionary measures, particularly for low lying areas around the South Saskatchewan riverbank. For the safety of our residents, the City has restricted access – with barricades – to lower lying roads and parts of the Meewasin Valley Trail where flooding is expected. The following locations are closed until further notice. 1. Spadina Crescent and the Meewasin Valley Trail at Ravine Drive, and just south of the entrance to the Meewasin Park North shelter. Access to the parking lot will be maintained. 2. The lower trail at the Mendel Art Gallery where it connects to the upper trail, including access to the Shearwater Tours dock and the Mendel Lookout. 3. River Landing lower trail between the Traffic Bridge and the Sid Buckwold Bridge. 4. The public boat launch in Kiwanis Park, north of the Broadway Bridge, is closed. 5. Spadina Crescent underneath the Broadway bridge is closed. These areas will be monitored, along with other known lower areas, and further closures may be required in order to ensure the safety of citizens. The City of Saskatoon thanks citizens for their cooperation. Please remember, in an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Jun 2013 20:43:02 +0000
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