An unnatural phenomena occurred the evening of Jan. 20 in the country area northwest of Blaine Lake.
A massive amount of water made its way through natural coulees and creeks creating a path of destruction and leaving chunks of ice hanging from trees and along field edges as a reminder of what water can do, especially as it flowed on one of the coldest nights this winter.
With the mercury plummeting to the -40 C mark, water flowed through the landscape until it peaked at 35 feet, forcing the water to overflow onto the road and down the other side. The culverts in the road system were unable to handle the massive deluge of water at one time.
As the water followed geographical low spots, it eventually made its way through a cattle producer's farmyard and feeding area in the RM of Redberry before continuing on into the RM of Blaine Lake.
Bill Rodwin is frustrated with the deluge of water that flooded his livestock feeding area. The channel of water that has settled is approximately three feet deep and over 30 feet wide creating a separation of most of his herd from the winter feed supply. The water continues to flow creating an unstable crust of ice and snow. Feed attempts have been unsuccessful as the weight of a skid-steer breaks through the ice.
The Saskatchewan winter weather creates enough challenges for many livestock producers heading into the calving season let alone having to deal with the challenge of having excess water flood your farm.
Although the yard and low lying feed area looks like a winter wonderland, Rodwin can only wonder what the area will look like come spring thaw. He anticipates the local rural municipalities will undergo a comprehensive investigation into the source of the water that resulted in the flooding of his land. Until spring, this elderly livestock producer will continue to meet the challenges brought upon him by this unnatural act.
