MEDIA ADVISORY

Property owners on the Jackfish and Murray lakes should be aware of the potential for damage to lakeshore property and structures, particularly during periods of strong on-shore winds.

Strong flows are being observed on Lehman Creek from Murray to Jackfish Lake.  Lehman Creek flows through Cochin on Highway 4.  Boaters should be aware of stronger and unusual currents and reduced clearance underneath bridges.

On April 20, 2007, a revised forecast was issued for Jackfish and Murray lakes indicating that levels at Jackfish Lake would approach or exceed the 1985 recorded peak level of 530 metres (m), and that levels on Murray Lake would be slightly higher than those on Jackfish Lake.

Both lakes are continuing to rise slowly, with the current level of Murray Lake at 530 m and Jackfish Lake at 529.69 m.  The normal summer operating range for both lakes is 529.3 m to 529.44 m.

The Jackfish Lake Watershed Association has fully opened the Jackfish Lake control structure to mitigate the high lake levels as much as possible.  No downstream impacts have been reported due to these flows.  It is expected that high flows will continue on the Jackfish River for several weeks and then be gradually reduced as lake level conditions recede to normal summer levels.  The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority will monitor lake levels and any downstream impacts on an ongoing basis.

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For more information, contact:

Don Dill
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
North Battleford
Phone: 306-446-7456
Email: don.dill@swa.ca
Cell: 306-441-0726

Frank Fox
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
North Battlefords
Phone: 306-446-7451
Email: frank.fox@swa.ca
Cell: 306-441-1177