As many communities in Saskatchewan sit on the edges of their sandbags waiting for the consequences of spring melt to hit home, those of us living in the Northwest are much more relaxed. According to the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, the Battlefords and north are classified as being in “near normal” territory, as far as spring runoff is concerned.
Areas south are in a “well above normal” zone down to about Lancer. South of there, until reaching the edge of the Cypress Hills, the area is deemed “above normal.” The area south of that line, including Maple Creek and east to Val Marie is deemed “very high.” If you’re interested, the map can be found at http://www.swa.ca/WaterManagement/MonthlyForecast/ProvincialForecast.pdf. So, as I sit snugly on my sand point overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley from the Battleford side, I am content in knowing my property and family are safe from being washed away. And as I make that observation I am again impressed with the foresight of the Battlefords and their planners over the years for the complete lack of development along the river’s flood plain. Some despair at the wild, natural quality of our river valley, but I like to think a majority enjoy it just the way it is. A few low maintenance hiking trails, a ball and soccer facility that might take a little cleanup if flooded, but wouldn’t be completely devastated — it’s all impressively sensible and I’m proud to be a citizen of such a community. Our hearts go out to Eastend, however. That community, located in an arid corner of the Palliser Triangle, is almost completely built on the flood plain of the Frenchman River.
I grew up on a farm at Consul and recall visiting the museum in Eastend on different occasions with my Dad. There are two central themes to the displays there: dinosaurs and “the flood.” I am ashamed to admit I don’t remember the year the Frenchman River overwhelmed the community, but I have a vague recollection of those startlingly clear black and white photos one associates with large format glass negatives. So I’ll leave the actual timing of the previous flood vague, as I was unable to find any references on line and I’m too lazy to dig out the Atlas of Saskatchewan to see if there is a reference there. Besides, I’m on medical leave with strict orders to not lift anything heavier than two or three pounds. That book would exceed the limit.
The Frenchman River was subsequently dammed west of the town and I always assumed that was for flood control purposes, but this excerpt from the Southwest Booster website indicates I’m mistaken.
“Farmsteads adjacent to the creeks and rivers in this basin, as well as the Town of Eastend, are at risk for flooding. The water supply reservoir behind Eastend Dam does not provide flood control benefits. Rural and urban residents are reminded to stay away from the fast moving water and to take necessary preparations to protect themselves and their property.
“The Watershed Authority has issued an advisory for high runoff and flooding potential along the Frenchman River and Battle and Lodge Creeks. As the snow pack in the Cypress Hills is not yet melting and runoff has barely started, there is the potential for very high flows along all three waterways. “
Anecdotal reports indicate the Frenchman River Valley is amazingly clogged with snow right from Cypress Lake to the west all the way to the town.
Eastend is a wonderfully picturesque town, and I’m hoping the residents there can dodge any major damage from the big melt.
I’ll try to not be too smug as I observe developments from the security of my sand point. And if I become complacent, there is always the foolish 4WD mud flingers visiting the flats below for amusement. It would be nice to see the energy they expend in extracting themselves from their own stupidity channeled into a sandbagging detail somewhere.
Comments on: "Flood watch" (1)
There are huge quantities of snow on the south slopes, but the temperatures on a warm day never exceed +5 and most of the time barley creep up to +2. Consequently the melt is very very slow. No flooding at all so far.
The slower the melt the less runoff and more prolonged but reduced run-off. This is counterbalanced by the march down the calendar. A calendar which is not March but sure seems like it.
Eastend is being spared for now. Their dam would fill in little more than than a day if the water were to flow in earnest.
I believe their last major flood was in 1952. 1967 was bad but diversions into Cypress lake spared them. Of course they were diverting water out of Cypress on the west side to make room for the water thus flooding the Battle Creek to record levels.