Hydro‑Québec warns of record high flow on Saint‑Maurice River in Quebec

Hydro‑Québec reported that recent heavy rains in the Mauricie region have pushed the Saint‑Maurice River far above its normal summer flow. On Friday the flow at La Tuque reached 1,400 m³/s, compared with the typical 340‑550 m³/s for this time of year. The utility expects the elevated discharge to continue through the end of next week, with flows above 1,400 m³/s also forecast for Shawinigan.

To manage the surge, Hydro‑Québec has opened the evacuation gates at the Almaville dam on the Saint‑Maurice River and warned residents to exercise extra caution when near waterways. The high water levels are expected to affect downstream communities, including Trois‑Rivières.