Dams and Reservoirs

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority regulates the operation of all water control structures in the province with the objective of maximizing benefits to Saskatchewan residents. We operate and maintain 45 dams in Saskatchewan including the four major dams; Gardiner Dam, Qu'Appelle Dam, Rafferty Dam and Alameda Dam. Please see our interactive map of Saskatchewan which has four dams featured - Gardiner Dam on Lake Diefenbaker, Buffalo Pound Dam on Buffalo Pound Lake and Rafferty and Alameda Dams in the Souris Watershed in Southeast Saskatchewan.

VIDEO - 40th Anniversary of Gardiner Dam and Lake Diefenbaker

A Look at Lake Diefenbaker

Lake Diefenbaker

Lake Diefenbaker is the largest body of water in southern Saskatchewan. It was formed by two dams, the Qu'Appelle River Dam and Gardiner Dam. The Qu'Appelle Dam controls flows in the Qu'Appelle River and the Gardiner Dam controls flows in the South Saskatchewan River. The dams were officially opened July 21, 1967. The 64-metre tall, 5,000-metre long Gardiner Dam took nearly nine years to build and is one of the largest earthfill dams in the world.  Although more than 25 years have passed since Gardiner Dam was built, the multi-purpose structure continues to demonstrate its importance in storing, maintaining and controlling flows in the South Saskatchewan River.  What is the South Saskatchewan River Project? The project consists of the Gardiner Dam, located on the South Saskatchewan River, 25 kilometres (km) downstream of Elbow, and Qu'Appelle Dam, located 19 kilometres southeast of Elbow and 45 kilometres southeast of Gardiner Dam. It also includes Lake Diefenbaker, a 225-kilometre long multi-purpose reservoir which serves many varied interests.  What is the capacity of the reservoir? The Full Supply Level (FSL) of Lake Diefenbaker is 556.87 metres. Over the past three years, water levels have ranged from a low of 549.37 metres in March 1997 (70 per cent full) to a high of 556.82 metres in July 1995 (99 per cent full).  What are some of the uses of Lake Diefenbaker? In addition to being a major recreation facility, Lake Diefenbaker provides domestic water for approximately 40 per cent of Saskatchewan people. Water is also stored for use by 10 potash mines, four major irrigation projects, various industries and wildlife interests. The lake also plays an important role in power generation and flood control.  Who owns the South Saskatchewan River Project?  The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority owns and operates the South Saskatchewan River Project and is directly responsible for its operation and maintenance. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority also owns and operates Rafferty and Alameda Dams in southeastern Saskatchewan and 38 other major water storage projects located throughout the province.

Qu'Appelle Dam Specifications Earthfill Dam Length 3,100 metres Height 27 metres Volume of earthfill 10,400,000 cubic metres

Gardiner Dam Specifications Earthfill Dam Length 5,000 metres Height 64 metres Volume of earthfill 65,000,000 cubic metres Spillway Length 1,200 metres Width 160 metres Discharge capacity 7,500 cubic metres per second

Lake Diefenbaker Specifications Reservoir Design FSL 556.87 metres Effective drainage area 126,000 square kilometres Length 225 kilometres at FSL Maximum depth 58 metres at FSL Area 43,000 hectares at FSL Storage at FSL 9,400,000,000 cubic metres