South Saskatchewan River water levels prompt safety warnings, ferry closures

The South Saskatchewan River is running high through Saskatoon after Gardiner Dam released more water.

The South Saskatchewan River is running significantly higher than normal through Saskatoon following increased water releases from Gardiner Dam - and the powerful flow has led to the closure of several Saskatchewan ferry crossings, with officials urging residents to stay well back from the river’s edge.

Residents and visitors can see the difference along riverbanks, where fast-moving water has created potentially dangerous conditions both on the river and nearby shorelines.

While officials anticipated the rise in water levels, they say the risks associated with the increased flow should not be underestimated.

The Water Security Agency began increasing releases from Gardiner Dam just over a week ago. The Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA,) which manages the river valley in Saskatoon, is advising the public to avoid the river during this period of elevated flow.

According to the MVA, the danger extends beyond the speed of the water itself. Increased flows can carry large amounts of debris, including logs and other objects that become more hazardous as currents strengthen.

“Debris that’s in the river gets caught, gets picked up, increases in speed, the size of things that the river can move increases,” Mike Velonas with the Meewasin Valley Authority told CTV News.

Officials also warn high water can erode riverbanks and create unstable ground conditions that may not be immediately visible. Even after water levels recede, the landscape along the river may have changed significantly.

“Even when the water level returns to a place where it’s safe for people to get back out on the water, there will be new sandbars potentially that aren’t as settled and stable as they might have been for the last number of years. So just exercise an abundance of caution,” Velonas added.

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The MVA has closed parking lots at popular beach sites in the RM of Corman Park, including Paradise Beach and Poplar Bluff, to discourage visitors.

Swimming in the river is prohibited year-round within Saskatoon city limits. City officials say during periods of extreme flow, fire crews may be unable to perform water rescues due to the risks posed to emergency responders.

Several Saskatchewan ferry crossings have been temporarily closed because of the high water. Transportation officials say the status of ferry operations can change quickly as river conditions evolve.

“The last few years it’s more of low water conditions than high water conditions. So it’s a bit of an anomaly there,” said Justine Hirtle, Executive Director of the Highways Hotline.

The latest information on ferry operations is available through the Highway Hotline.

Officials are encouraging anyone spending time near the river to maintain a safe distance from the water, closely supervise children and pets, and stay informed, as river conditions and ferry closures continue to change.