The Water Security Agency is advising the public to be aware of the potential for ice jamming to occur on the North Saskatchewan River.
The ice cover on the Saskatchewan River system is in the process of breaking up. There is a potential for ice jam formations on the river, particularly between the Petrofka Bridge and Prince Albert. This could create a situation where a more serious ice jam could form on the river upstream of Petrofka Bridge.
Ice jam formations are unpredictable and can cause rapid rises in water levels. This creates the potential for serious and significant flooding. The risk will continue until the rivers are free of ice, which can be expected within the next week.
The general public along the North Saskatchewan River from Prince Albert to the Petrofka Bridge should monitor the river and take precautions if an ice jam develops. Under no circumstances should the public try to venture onto the ice in the vicinity of an ice jam. This is an extreme hazard.
The Water Security Agency was created to lead implementation of the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan, which will improve water management capacity and service to individuals, businesses and communities across Saskatchewan. This new agency brings together, for the first time, all of the major responsibilities related to water quality and quantity.
