Provincial officials said today that cooler weather forecast ahead of much warmer temperatures this weekend could ease the flood risk in parts of Saskatchewan.
Water Security Agency spokesperson Patrick Boyle said warmer temperatures late last week produced quick increases in outflow on tributaries and resulted in localized flooding.
“In those areas where the runoff has started (the cold weather) will allow flows to pass somewhat before any further snow melt happens,” he said Monday. “So that’s going to help alleviate the peaks.”
The situation in Manitoba is similar after cooler weather there also mitigated flood risks in the Red River Valley. Forecasters said flooding in the valley will likely be comparable to 2006, which is below levels seen in 2011 and well below 1997, Manitoba’s flood of the century.
Back in Saskatchewan, flooding at Maidstone, in the northwest, has resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency because of problems with the sewer system. Lashburn and Borden also saw flooding, and officials said Radisson is likely to flood. These are all due to streams on the North Saskatchewan River system.
The hamlet of Hoey, near Prince Albert, was issued a precautionary drinking water advisory after its treated water reservoir was contaminated by flood water.
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Over the weekend, water caused problems on both road and rail.
A dramatic photo of a derailed VIA train released by RCMP Monday showed a train balanced over a valley, a section of washed out track hanging beneath it.
Two locomotives and a car on the train headed from Winnipeg to Churchill came off the tracks Sunday, April 28 near Togo, Sask. along the Manitoba border. There was also a small engine fire.
None of the seven passengers was injured. They were taken by vehicle to Duck Mountain Provincial Park.
Thirty-five sections of highway were affected by water and either closed for a time or required flagpersons to direct traffic.
Check www.producer.com for daily runoff and flood updates.
