The Churchill Falls Generating Station is advising the public of a controlled water release to occur from the upper Churchill reservoir at the Jacopie Spillway commencing at approximately 2:00 pm today. The expected duration of the release is unknown.

The public is advised to avoid the following and surrounding areas:

• Jacopie and Whitefish Spillways
• The Churchill River Bed downstream of the Jacopie Spillway
• The Churchill River Walking Trail
• East and west forebay water storage areas located north of the community of Churchill Falls

The controlled water release is due to power line icing on the Hydro Quebec network causing a reduction of plant load. The release ensures safe water levels are maintained in the reservoirs.

Water levels along the upper and lower Churchill River are expected to be consistent with levels typically seen this time of year.

The public will be notified immediately once the controlled release of water has ended.

Safety is always our number one priority. The public is advised to always use extreme caution around dykes, dams and spillways as water levels in these areas are always unpredictable.