High Flow Advisory
28 April, 2026
Today, the Water Security Agency (WSA) is issuing a High Flow Advisory for a large area extending from northwestern Saskatchewan near Buffalo Narrows down to the southeastern areas near Yorkton.
This encompasses areas around Lloydminster, Meadow Lake, Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge, Prince Albert, the Battlefords, Watrous, Melfort, Nipawin, Tisdale, Hudson Bay and Yorkton.
Ongoing runoff is occurring across much of south-central Saskatchewan following warm temperatures earlier last week. Cooler conditions over the past several days have temporarily slowed snowmelt; however, temperatures are forecast to gradually increase over the coming days with overnight lows remaining above freezing later this week. These conditions may result in rapid snowmelt in areas where snowpack remains or where runoff has not yet begun.
This accelerated melt could cause river flows to rise more rapidly and reach higher levels than currently forecasted, increasing the risk of localized overland flooding and the potential for ice jamming. Areas that have already experienced peak water levels and are currently receding, may see a second peak in flows and levels where snowpack remains high.
This advisory has been extended farther north due to substantial snow accumulations observed from a recent storm, which may contribute to enhanced runoff as temperatures warm.
WSA will continue monitoring conditions including streamflow and lake levels and will provide updates as conditions develop.
The Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP) program helps implement emergency flood protection measures for communities, rural municipalities, businesses, non-profit organizations, individuals with rural yard sites, country residences, cottages and drinking water wells to prevent damage from imminent risk of flooding.
In addition to EFDRP, the Government of Saskatchewan has support for disaster-related costs through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP). Information and criteria can be found on the PDAP website.
Residents are asked to use caution around water bodies as conditions could change rapidly without notice, resulting in rising water, increased current and large pieces of ice.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) continues to work with communities that are at risk of flooding or currently experiencing flooding conditions. SPSA is currently working with the RM of Meadow Lake, Foam Lake and Duck Lake regarding flooding. The
SPSA is also in communication with or providing resources to additional communities in the province. When a community is experiencing an incident and needing support capacity or requiring resources, the SPSA can provide assistance. SPSA will continue to work alongside the WSA, affected communities, and local authorities.
For more information, please contact WSA at 1.866.727.5420 or wsask.ca.
For media contact:
comm@wsask.ca
