2011 Spring Melt -Q & A
The spring runoff will have two parts.
- First, melting within Regina will result in a heavy runoff throughout the city.
- Second, runoff from east of the city will flow along Wascana Creek, impacting low-lying areas along the creek.
Typically the snow in the city melts and drains away before melt water from east of Regina passes through the city. You can stay updated on the situation by checking Regina.ca or the City’s Facebook page.
Part 1 – Residential runoff
Q: When does the City anticipate residential runoff to occur? A: Typically the city snow will melt by the end of March or the first week in April.
Q: What is the City doing to reduce the risk of flooding? A: The City is clearing ice and snow on arterial streets and from catch basin covers. Snow is also being removed from select ditches (in MapleRidge, Uplands, Whitmore Park and South Lewvan) to promote drainage.
Q: How can I help water on my street drain? A: The City encourages residents to chip ice from their neighbourhood catch basin cover to promote drainage.
Q: Will there be traffic restrictions or closures? A: It is likely that there will be temporary restrictions at various road locations where catch basins are not taking water. The City will steam or jet the catch basin to get the water moving. Residents can ensure the City of Regina is aware of problem locations by calling 777-7000.
Part 2 – Wascana Creek
Q: How serious is the anticipated flow event? A: Wascana Creek is expected to overflow into low-lying flood plain areas adjacent to the creek. The City has a large supply of sandbags filled and ready for the construction of temporary dyking. Some short stretches of temporary dyking are anticipated to prevent water from reaching low-lying neighbourhoods.
Q: Are there safety concerns? A: Yes, residents are reminded to stay away from storm channels, Wascana Lake and Wascana Creek. While thin ice is always a potential hazard, during the runoff event there will be fast flowing water with undertows.
Q: Where are temporary dykes currently anticipated? A: -Rowing Club at Wascana Marina -Rotary Park between Albert Street and Retallack Street -17th Avenue between Pasqua Street and Coronation Street -Pasqua Street to Edward Street -Horace Street to Dewdney Avenue
Q: How does this year compare to others? A: The 2011 runoff is projected to reach a 10 to 20 year high. Peak flows are currently projected to be 60 cubic meters per second versus an average year of 13 cubic meters per second. Sandbag dykes were last used in 1997, which had a comparable peak flow to what is forecast for this year. At that time, high flows occurred around April 15 and lasted two to three weeks.
Q: Will there be traffic restrictions or closures? A: Yes, the City is anticipating road and walkway closures as a result of high water levels and City activities including ice breakup, weir removals and stop log removals. Locations along Wascana Creek where travel may be affected include:
- Fleet Street north of Rainbow Bridge
- Albert Street
- Wascana Creek pedestrian crossings
- Elphinstone Street
- Pasqua Street
- 11th Avenue between Empress and RCMP Depot
- Dewdney Avenue
- McCarthy Boulevard
- Ritter Avenue extension road to Paul Dojack Centre
- Pinkie Road
Q: Will park access along Wascana Creek be restricted? A: Yes, it is anticipated lower pathways and various pedestrian crossovers will be barricaded while water levels are high.