North and South Saskatchewan rivers to rise after heavy rains in Alberta

Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency is warning people to be careful around the North Saskatchewan and South Saskatchewan rivers in the coming week as water levels are expected to rise after high levels of rain in Alberta.

In a release late Thursday, the agency said water levels in Lake Diefenbaker are expected to rise by about 2.5 feet due to high rain amounts in southern Alberta.

As a result, the Gardiner Dam spillway is being opened to release more water into the South Saskatchewan River. The spillway will be opening more in the coming days, leading to higher and faster flows along the river.

Water levels along the South Saskatchewan River are expected to rise anywhere between three and five feet, but no flooding is expected.

However, the situation is expected to be more severe along the North Saskatchewan River, where rain flows will be travelling into the province next week.

The agency said flooding and property damage are possible in areas around the Battlefords by Tuesday and Prince Albert by next Friday, with levels potentially reaching the same heights as in late May.

“All users are additionally advised to use caution around the watercourses within the basin as swift-moving water can pose a hazard and to take steps to protect property where necessary,” the release said of those along the North Saskatchewan River.

The agency noted it will be monitoring the combined effects of the dam opening and rain flows past the Saskatchewan River Forks, about 45 kilometres east of Prince Albert.