Strathcona Park Boat Launch May 28, 2020 (photo courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Chantal Wagner

Current flow rate

Strathcona boat launch temporarily closed due to silt build-up

May 28, 2020 | 5:02 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The flow rate of the South Saskatchewan River has gone down over the last couple of days.

Earlier this week it was in the 900 cubic metres per second range.

Now it’s just below 600 cubic metres.

However, that flow brought in a lot of mud and silt into the boat launch area at Strathcona Park.

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Fire Prevention Officer Carter Gramlich says as the water level rises and flows faster, it carries a lot of sediment and mud and stays behind when it recedes.

Crews have been working to clean up the silt as the river stabilizes.

Gramlich says in the meantime, the boat launch is temporarily closed for motorized boats.

“People that want to use the river for recreation if they want to float or kayak if they know what they’re doing. Right now the float rate is 590 cubic metres per second so it’s probably faster than a recreational floater would want to use it at. If somebody is in a kayak and they know what they’re doing and they’re prepared they can go out and use the river still, we’re not closing the river down. Regardless of the flow rate, we want people to understand that the river and any water body could be dangerous.”

There’s no timeline yet when the Strathcona boat launch will be open.

“So we know that the water level was up in the past couple days and now it’s going down. Hopefully, it kind of stabilizes and they have a chance to clean it up properly. We anticipate the water level will go up again as it normally does in June. And at that time they might have to think about closing the access again,” Gramlick said.

He reminds where there’s what water, there’s arisk, and to take a couple of steps to make sure you have a safe adventure. Like wearing a life jacket, know your ability, check the forecast, conditions, and debris before heading out.

“There are some other places in the city where people can float or kayak that isn’t on the river. Connaught Pond is one good location the city put a dock in there for access. And the boat lake at Echo Dale is still open as well, so for people who aren’t sure if they’re ready for the river, go check out those still water areas. And then at times, the creeks can be fun as well so Seven Persons and Ross Creek.”

More information on river flow rates can be seen by visiting this site.