A prior year's view of the Battle River during ice break up. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

River safety

Residents reminded to stay clear of water bodies during ice break up

Apr 8, 2021 | 8:46 AM

Residents in the Battlefords area are being asked to avoid coming too close to water bodies during ice break up.

North Battleford fire chief Lindsay Holm recently assessed the North Saskatchewan River conditions.

“There are some open areas of the river at the present time,” he said. “As that ice starts breaking up, the water is going to start flowing a little heavier. It is going to have some run-off that is coming due to the melt as well.”

The area will see some increased flows in the river, likely with some water rise also, as the run-off enters the river system.

“I would encourage people to be very cautious if they are down by the river right now because the ice is breaking up,” he said. “It is very soft right now, and it is not suitable for walking on at all any more.”

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Holm said he will continue to monitor the flow of the river as well as any potential ice jams that may develop as the ice breaks up to determine if there will be flooding in any areas that could be associated with ice jams.

“It’s something that we do every year, and we continually will do,” he said. “We will be making sure that we provide updates if there are any issues that are arising due to the ice break up.”

In its recent spring run-off report the Water Security Agency (WSA) stated there are varying conditions across the province currently. The WSA reported lower moisture conditions for many parts of central and southern Saskatchewan. The area covering North Battleford, Swift Current and Regina are expected to receive a below normal run-off this spring.

The WSA indicated ice on water bodies continues to create a risk during the melt period.

“While the risk of ice jamming is lower this spring with the expectation of below normal run-off, ice on water bodies does become unpredictable and dangerous during the melt period and should be avoided,” the WSA stated in its release.

Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie also reminds people to be vigilant around water bodies this spring during the ice break up period.

“I know everybody, once it starts to break up and make noise, people are always curious by nature and interested,” he said. “But just keep your distance. As we did see last spring, the flood waters can rise pretty quick and people can get caught off guard. So just be respectful of Mother Nature because she can change quickly.”

Leslie particularly warned people to exercise caution around the Finlayson Island area by the North Saskatchewan River.

“If the water levels are rising quickly, just be careful if you are walking out on Finlayson Island,” he said.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW