Posted on: October 11, 2018 | Water Levels
A 10-kilometre stretch of the Winnipeg River between the Pointe du Bois and Slave Falls generating stations will be lower-than-usual this fall and winter as Manitoba Hydro performs needed stabilization work on a spillway structure at Slave Falls.
About a one-metre (about three feet) draw down of the river behind Slave Falls will start about October 24th to reduce loading on one of the concrete piers in the station’s spillway.
Rehabilitation of the pier was already underway this summer when a detailed inspection found the concrete to be in worse shape than expected.
Reducing the water levels and stabilizing the spillway pier this winter will avoid further damage that could ultimately require much more extensive and disruptive repairs. The pier supports a spillway deck that is the only vehicle access to the Slave Falls Generating Station’s powerhouse. Further degradation could make access to the powerhouse difficult and impact regular operations and maintenance.
The water levels upstream of Pointe du Bois, including Lake of the Woods, will not be affected. Water levels changes downstream of Slave Falls will not change in any noticeable way.
The work is expected to cost approximately $2 million and be completed this winter. Water levels between Pointe du Bois and Slave Falls are expected to be restored to normal in the spring.
Slave Falls is one of Manitoba Hydro’s oldest generating stations. Construction began in 1928. The station was completed in 1948.
The work at Slave Falls is part of Manitoba Hydro’s commitment to continually upgrade aging parts of its electrical generation, transmission and distribution system with a focus on safety, reliability, and providing more capacity to meet the growing energy needs of our customers.
See https://www.hydro.mb.ca/corporate/facilities/generating_stations.shtml#slave_falls for more information.
If you have questions or concerns please contact Dale Hutchison at 204-360-3505 or by email at dhutchison@hydro.mb.ca
