A lack of precipitation is being blame for low flows on the Churchill River. (Submitted photo/Tompson Atkinson McCallum)

By Derek Cornet

precipitation

Churchill River lowest its been in 20 years

May 13, 2024 | 2:11 PM

The water level of the Churchill River at Otter Rapids is the lowest it’s been in the last two decades.

That’s according to Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency (WSA), which stated that the reason for the lack of flows is drier than normal conditions experienced across much of the province.

All of the North, particularly the north-central and northeastern areas, have been hit very hard by a lack of precipitation.

“There was a significant lack of snow and rain last year, making all of the lake levels in the north low,” an email to larongeNOW from the agency explained.

“We do expect the level on Lac La Ronge and the Churchill River to increase over the next month.”

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The water level on the Churchill River has been lower in 1982, 1993, 1994, 1999, and 2000. The water level was also low in 2023, about half of what would be considered normal.

As for Lac La Ronge, the water level is about 364.1 meters above sea level, which is around average for this time of year. The lake level, however, is slowly rising.

“The dam is releasing about 19 m3/s, which is low, and it has been this low since May or June last year,” the email noted.

“Some flow is required to keep the river active. These low flows reflect the dry conditions in the North.”

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the La Ronge area experienced its driest winter on record. Data shows precipitation during December, January and February was 18 millimetres (about 0.71 in), whereas 56.8 mm is the normal amount from 59 years of record keeping.

In addition, La Ronge also had the second warmest winter and fall on record.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com