The Riverhurst ferry, located northwest of Moose Jaw, is slow to break up the moorings because the very low water level is unfavorable to the start of its activities.
At this time, the date of resumption of operation of the Riverhurst ferry is unknown.
In fact, the ferry typically carries about 30,000 vehicles a year on the South Saskatchewan River, according to the Department of Highways, which operates the ship.
This year, the level of Lake Diefenbaker is about a meter and a half lower than normal for this time of year, which does not allow the ferry to start operations, according to a spokesman for the Ministry of Highways.
He added that sediment accumulation means the level of the entire lake must be higher than before for the ferry to operate.
Lake Diefenbaker is a man -made lake, located north of the Riverhurst Ferry and fed by the South Saskatchewan River.
Be aware of the impact of climate change
Associate Professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan, Saman Razavi believes the impact of climate change is something to consider.
According to the expert who has studied the South Saskatchewan River basin for several years, the variation observed annually is dictated by the accumulation and melting of snow upstream in the Rocky Mountains.
He added that this diversity has become more intense over the past two decades due to climate change.
On the other hand, the highest water flow from the mountains is around April or May, but this year they are lower than the long -term average. Although not the lowest levels recorded, they are reminiscent of the levels seen in the 2001 drought.
Saskatchewan government officials said Lake Diefenbaker did not reach its peak until June last year. The Water Safety Agency expects the water level to rise again in mid -June this year.
According to Razavi, the low levels could serve as a reminder of the impact of climate change on water flows and the people who depend on them in the coming years.
This may indicate that we need to be more careful and start covering water resources at this time of year.he said.
He believes it is important now to take seriously the management and planning of water resources, especially in the Prairies.
Mr. Razavi even believes that there are regions of Canada where water could be difficult in the future, if we are not careful.
Western Canada, especially the Prairie region, is experiencing some water stress that many people may not easily see. And with climate change, stress in this water may intensifyhe believes
In files from Kendall Latimer
Source: Radio-Canada
