WSA, city urging residents to avoid river during high flows

Run off from Alberta, along with significant moisture and precipitation over the past two months is contributing to these historic levels. Tomorrow is expected to be the local peak, but Podbielski said this isn’t going to disappear this week.

“We’re looking for that peaking to be around this time in the Battlefords area and couple days from now downstream in Prince Albert,” he said. “There could be some significant lowering, but on a relative basis, it [should] remain high and [that’s] swift moving water.”

Podbielski said it’s normal to see incidents pop up around this time, due to the summer season.

“Saskatchewan has a short summer, we’re meant to enjoy it, but it’s very important you exercise caution,” he said. “Especially with swift water.”

North Battleford Fire Chief Lindsay Holm said residents should avoid any kind of water related activities on the river until those levels drop, especially considering the pickup in speed and having plenty of deadfall out on the river as well.

“Current is extremely high right now, so I would not encourage anybody to be using any water craft or anything on the river at this time, as it poses a significant safety risk with the debris in the river and the high current flow,” he said.

At this point, Holm said there’s been no indication that there’s a strong risk of infrastructure damage.

“But it is going to be something we’re going to continue to monitor for the next couple of days, until we start to see that flow decreasing,” he said.

According to the WSA, further precipitation, which is expected in the Battlefords, would further increase risks with the current flow. Anyone who spots trouble on the river should immediately call 911.

“Give them a good and accurate description of exactly where they are located, so that would facilitate us going out for a rescue,” Holm said.

And whenever people are out on any body of water, Holm said to take precautions like life jackets and having a check-in communicated with friends.

“You always have to respect Mother Nature and make sure that you are wearing life jackets and have the proper safety equipment,” he said. “So that if something does go wrong, you’re prepared for it.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports

by Josh Ryan

WSA, city urging residents to avoid river during high flows

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