High Flow Advisory Issued for North Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan River Systems

The Water Security Agency (WSA) has issued a high flow advisory for the North Saskatchewan River and Saskatchewan River systems following significant rainfall in Alberta over the past week.

According to the WSA, above-normal flows are moving downstream and are expected to cause rapid increases in river levels across Saskatchewan 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. Similar increases are expected further downstream along the Saskatchewan River as the high-flow event continues to move eastward.

Flows in the river system are expected to increase from approximately 450 cubic metres per second (m3/s) to as much as 1,500 m3/s, resulting in stronger currents, higher water levels, and potentially hazardous conditions near the water.

Residents, anglers, boaters, paddlers, and anyone recreating near the river should use caution as conditions can change quickly. Fast-moving water, floating debris, unstable banks, and rising water levels can create significant public safety risks.

Additional rainfall is forecast across parts of the North Saskatchewan River basin, which could prolong elevated flows or lead to further increases in river levels.

What This Means for River Users

People planning to visit the North Saskatchewan River, Saskatchewan River, or connected areas should be prepared for:

• Higher-than-normal water levels
• Faster currents and stronger flow velocities
• Increased amounts of floating debris
• Rapidly changing shoreline conditions
• Potential impacts to boat launches, docks, and riverside recreation areas

Conditions may continue to evolve as the high-flow event moves through the river system.

The Water Security Agency says it will continue monitoring conditions and provide additional updates if necessary.

Check Current Levels/Discharge

Check out the water levels page on SaskLakes for live hydrometric data from stations along the river and other parts of the province.

Water Stations

• North Saskatchewan River near Deer Creek
• North Saskatchewan River near Borden
• North Saskatchewan River at Prince Albert
• Saskatchewan River below the Forks

Resources

• WSA Advisory
• For more info contact the WSA at 1-866-727-5420 or wsask.ca