WSA Increasing Outflows from Gardiner Dam

With Alberta receiving large amounts of rainfall over the past few days, the Water Security Agency (WSA) is increasing outflows from Gardiner Dam and will be operating the spillway to release water from Lake Diefenbaker. 

Starting July 2, outflows from Gardiner Dam are expected to increase from approximately 270 m³/s to 470 m³/s. On July 3, outflows are expected to increase further to approximately 770 m³/s.  

Spillway operations are anticipated to continue from July 3 to July 25, with outflows then being gradually reduced to 270 m³/s. Additional increases in outflows may be required if conditions change due to further rainfall and increased inflows to Lake Diefenbaker. 

This increase in outflows is expected to raise current water levels on the South Saskatchewan River by approximately 2 m at Moon Lake and 0.8 m through Saskatoon. River conditions will be faster-flowing and potentially more hazardous than normal. WSA advises the public to exercise caution near the river and to carefully assess any activities in, on, or around the water, as well as near Gardiner Dam while the spillway is in operation.

Additional updates on Lake Diefenbaker and Gardiner Dam operations will be posted online at: https://wsask.ca/recreation-environment/lake-diefenbaker-updates/