Local residents are being urged to look out, and keep clear of rising levels and flow in the North Saskatchewan River this week.
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority reported June 8 that flows are expected to increase dramatically following heavy precipitation on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains last week.
Flows on the North Saskatchewan River are expected to rise from 400 square metres per second to approximately 1000 m3/s through last weekend and into early this week, resulting in a river rise of approximately 1.5 metres through the Battleford. The same flows were expected to move through Prince Albert later in the week.
The Watershed Authority adds that it is monitoring weather and flow conditions and will issue updates as warranted. Similar forecasts and warnings are also being issued for the South Saskatchewan River.
Monday, North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services issued its warning to local residents about the flow situation in the North Saskatchewan River.
Deputy chief Brian Wilson advised residents to stay out of the water and off the river shore.
"It is already muddy along the shore and more rainfall is expected this week, so the areas around the river are slippery," said Wilson. "If someone were to slip and fall into the North Saskatchewan River, they could be carried downstream quite quickly."
His department urges caution near all waterways right now, particularly those with higher than normal water levels.
