Raw data and video outputs from a CE-QUAL-W2 hydrodynamic and nutrient model for different Lake Diefenbaker Reservoir withdrawal depth scenarios

The Lake Diefenbaker CE-QUAL-W2 model has 87 horizontal segments starting at Saskatchewan highway 4 at the upstream extending to the Gardiner Dam and the Qu’Appelle Dam at downstream, and one-meter vertical layers with a maximum of 60 layers at the deepest point near the Gardiner Dam. Gardiner dam outflow is either via metalimnetic withdrawal through hydroelectric turbines or via a spillway during brief high flow periods. The current operational withdrawal depth of approximately 34m was altered in the model according to six extraction depth scenarios (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 m) to determine impacts on nutrient distribution and concentrations within the reservoir. The model is calibrated for water temperature, PO4, organic P, TN , NH4, NO3, organic N, and dissolved oxygen. **Please note: This dataset is linked to a Scientific Data paper at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-019-0316-y. The authors kindly request that you reference this paper in addition to the dataset.