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Buffalo Pound is the first major lake the Qu'Appelle River reaches after leaving Lake Diefenbaker
by releases from the Qu'Appelle River Dam. Located 100 km southeast of Lake Diefenbaker, and
approximately 30 kilometres northeast of Moose Jaw, Buffalo Pound Lake serves as a significant
source of water and recreation for southern Saskatchewan.
The original Buffalo Pound Lake control structure and dam were constructed by PFRA in 1939.
A new control structure and improvements to the dam were completed and placed into operation in 2000,
assuring a safe, reliable and sutainable source of water for future generations of Saskatchewan residents.
What is the Buffalo Pound Dam?
Located on the northeast side of the lake, the dam of earth and rock rip-rap stretches 1,400 metres
across the valley floor and features as its centrepiece a three-bay control structure with
operational gates, a large gated riparian outlet and a traffic bridge. A fish ladder installed
during the 1999-2000 project, provides fish a passageway between the lake and the Qu'Appelle
River. The dam and control structure are important for managing water along the Qu'Appelle
River; providing a stable source of water for direct use from the lake and for downstream users.
What is the capacity of the reservoir?
The Full Supply Level (FSL) of Buffalo Pound Lake is 509.47 metres above sea level. In recent
years, water levels as high as 511 metres and as low as 509.2 metres have been recorded on the
lake. At FSL, the lake holds approximately 91,987 cubic decametres of water. See the table
for important statistics on the dam.
What are some of the uses of Buffalo Pound Lake?
The lake serves as a principal source of water for approximately 25 per cent of the province's
population, including the cities of Regina, Moose Jaw and several small communities. Major
Belle Plaine-area industries of Kalium and Saskferco also utilize lake water in their operations.
Flanked by Buffalo Pound Provincial Park and several adjacent cottage developments, the lake is
also the heart of a flourishing recreational area.
Who owns the Buffalo Pound Dam?
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority owns and operates the control structure and related
works which impound Buffalo Pound Lake. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority also
operates and maintains 44 other water storage facilities located throughout the province,
including Gardiner Dam and Rafferty-Alameda Projects.
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