The rapid melt has raised the potential for ice jams on several Saskatchewan waterways.
The province’s Water Security Agency has issued an advisory for the increased risk on Swift Current Creek, Moose Jaw River, Qu’Appelle River and Wood River.
The agency said ice jams are not uncommon, but higher than previously predicted water flows have now been recorded and there is still ice on these rivers.
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WSA is diverting water on the Swift Current main canal to reduce flows through that city and has temporarily stopped outflows at Duncairn Dam.
Flows through the Moose Jaw River basin are expected to be similar to March 2022 when the channel was at capacity. Runoff is higher than expected.
WSA is working to manage flows along the Qu’Appelle system, but that will not reduce the risk of ice jams, it said.
“The public should exercise caution as ice jams can be highly dynamic, resulting in rapid changes in water levels,” the agency said in the advisory. “Under no circumstances should anyone venture out on to an ice jam.”
Updates are expected as the warm weather continues and circumstances change.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
