With low levels of precipitation continuing through the first half of June, the province has instructed TransAlta to fill Ghost Lake back up to 1,188 meters by this weekend.
“The balance of flood risk has tilted the other way,” said Jason Penner, spokesperson for Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD).
“The risk now is very different than it was two weeks ago.”
This is the second year for the controversial flood mitigation project, where TransAlta has entered into an agreement with the province to use the reservoir for flood mitigation purposes through July 7.
Penner said that water cannot be released too quickly, in order to avoid downstream erosion; he added that if necessary (in the event of an extreme weather event) TransAlta could safely start to lower the lake again at a rate of 30 cm per day.
Last year, the pilot project saw the levels brought down by the end of May to 1,187m (normally at 1,189m at that time, rising up to 1,191m later in the season).
This year, that level was brought down to between 1,184-1,185m. This level is too low for launching boats safely into the water, which has had a negative impact on the start of the recreational season and a devastating impact on one business owner in particular.
Mike Weinert of Ghost Lake Recreations said his business is down anywhere from 40-60 per cent for the second consecutive year.
As people are unable to launch their boats until the end of June, many choose not to store their vessels at his marina, therefore leaving him with a slough of empty dock and mooring slips for the first time in years.
“This is great news,” said Weinert, with respect to the decision by the province to bring the water levels back up earlier than anticipated this year.
“While the damage has already been done, every day counts for us and we’ve still got a great summer ahead of us.”
Weinert said 1,188m is still lower than ideal and boaters must be extra vigilant when launching their boats and only use the boat launch on the south side (the north side launch would still be unusable at this level).
The business owner and longtime Ghost resident will be making a presentation to the MD of Bighorn in the coming weeks, sharing his plight on how this project has impacted his livelihood.
He remains concerned about how this project will impact his business — if continued in subsequent years — and whether or not the government would work with recreational stakeholders at the lake to compensate for the flood mitigation project impacts.
“We will have to take a closer look at working with (everyone impacted),” said Penner, confirming that the province is aware of such possibilities as extending the boat launches to allow for safe spring launching.
Weinert remains concerned about the topography on the lake and how additional lake hazards pose risks to boaters, especially the less experienced users.
Penner said the province has also heard concerns from those downstream who rely on irrigation (farmers, ranchers) who have fears about a drought year; on the other hand, the province has received positive reaction from those living downstream (in Calgary), who were impacted by the 2013 June flood.
For those who wish to check the water levels at Ghost Lake, click on the link below:
transalta.com/sustainability/environment/reservoir-and-lake-elevations.
