SASKATOON — The Water Security Agency is warning residents along the North Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan river systems to exercise caution as rapidly rising water levels move through the province following significant rainfall in Alberta.
The agency issued a high flow advisory Wednesday, saying above-normal flows are moving downstream and are expected to cause substantial increases in river levels over the coming days.
Water levels along the North Saskatchewan River are forecast to rise by nearly two metres at North Battleford by June 26 and at Prince Albert by June 27.
According to the Water Security Agency, river flows are expected to increase from approximately 450 cubic metres per second to 1,500 cubic metres per second as runoff from heavy rainfall continues to move eastward through the watershed.
The high-flow event is also expected to affect the Saskatchewan River system, where water levels could rise by nearly two metres as the surge progresses downstream.
Residents living near the river are being urged to remain vigilant as rapidly changing water levels and stronger currents could create dangerous conditions.
The Water Security Agency warned the elevated flows could pose a significant public safety risk, particularly for people near riverbanks, boat launches and other areas close to the water.
WSA said river levels could remain elevated for an extended period as additional precipitation is forecast across the North Saskatchewan River basin.
Further rainfall could sustain current conditions or lead to additional increases in water levels in the days ahead.
The Water Security Agency said it will continue monitoring conditions throughout the river system and provide updates as required.
