Water flows out of Alberta on the Battle River have increased over the past week and these flows, along with local inflows over this past weekend, are expected to peak early this week.
Saskatchewan's Water Security Agency has issued an advisory warning about high flows and the possibility of ice jams on the Battle River. Peak flows and levels at Battleford will likely exceed those of 2011 and may approach levels last seen in 1985. These flows have a potential to cause out-of-bank flow, particularly in areas with lower banks and at elbows in the river.
There will also be increased risk of ice jams, particularly near the confluence with the North Saskatchewan River, says the agency.
In the past, ice jams have occurred near the confluence with the North Saskatchewan River and affected Highway 4, says the agency. It is asking the public to exercise caution when working on or near the river as ice jams have the potential to quickly cause flooding and create hazardous situations.
