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Water Security Agency warns of high flows on the South Saskatchewan starting Sunday

By Keira Miller Jun 4, 2026 | 12:58 PM

Photo courtesy Mark Mann

Some recent rainfall in Alberta is prompting the Water Security Agency to release water from Lake Diefenbaker.

Beginning on Sunday, outflows are expected to increase from 280 cubic metres per second to about 700 m³/s. Peak outflows are expected to hit around June 11 and slowly go down over the week.

For context, typical flows for this time of year are around 160 m³/s. This increase will cause the South Saskatchewan River to rise roughly 1.4 metres through Moon Lake and 0.6 m in Saskatoon.

The WSA is cautioning those who use the South Saskatchewan River. The agency says flows at this level can pose a serious safety risk for residents and recreational users in and around the water at this time of year. However, no out-of-bank flooding is expected because of the increase.