Water levels have peaked
Water levels in Regina peaked Tuesday at 571.645 meters above sea level, according to the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority. During the peak, water in Wascana Creek was moving at 72 cubic meters per second; and it continues to move very quickly. Water levels appeared to level off over the weekend, but continued creeping up early in the week. While the water levels have peaked, it will take several weeks for the water to recede as there is still a significant amount of water out east that will pass through Regina.
Wascana Lake and Wascana Creek are extremely dangerous right now and will remain so for the next few weeks. The water is so cold it could cause hypothermia and paralysis within minutes. The water is moving very quickly and has strong undertows. There are also many hidden dangers in the water, such as submerged signs.
The City strongly advises residents to stay back from the water and to keep their children away from open water. It is also important to keep dogs on a leash when close to bodies of water. While the water may look inviting, the City urges residents to be cautious and wait a few weeks for the floodwaters to recede before going near the water.
The City also asks residents to keep children from playing around the sandbags and other temporary dyking so children stay safe and so the dykes are not compromised. The dykes are an important part of the City's flood-prevention plans. They are there to hold water back and to protect property.
The City and Wascana Centre Authority are barricading unsafe areas to protect residents. Residents are asked to watch for barricades and avoid them. It is also important to keep children and pets away from barricades to keep them safe.
If you see anyone, especially children, playing near dangerous water, call the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.