The river at Prince Albert is up about a metre and will be 1.6 metres above the norm for the weekend. (Glenn Hicks/paNOW Staff)

By Glenn Hicks

river rises

River rise set to peak in P.A. for weekend

Jun 28, 2019 | 5:26 PM

There are no expected flooding issues with the increasing levels of the North Saskatchewan River at Prince Albert, but the speed of that rise is noteworthy.

The levels have moved up noticeably in the last day or so and will increase further in the coming 48 hours following heavy rainfalls in eastern Alberta last week.

“Right now the river has risen by a metre,” Patrick Boyle with the Water Security Agency told paNOW. “We’re expecting it to go up by 1.6 metres [in total] by Saturday and for that to hang around for Sunday.”

He figured there would be a swift drop-off starting Monday.

Sentencing adjourned

Sentencing decision reserved for La Ronge manslaughter case

8h ago

Missing persons

11-year-old girl reported missing

9h ago

BDO Debt Solutions

Addressing the Rising Cost of Living in Saskatchewan: A Guide for Residents Facing Financial Pressure

11h ago

While there were no concerns about the river breaching its banks, Boyle suggested people remain aware, especially with it being the Canada Day long weekend. Festivities are planned along the riverbank in P.A. on Monday.

“The river is a popular spot for many people in this province in the summer and the levels are going from below normal to above normal right at the time when people are heading outside,” he said. “So, it’s something to pay attention to and be aware of.”

The Cecil Ferry east of Prince Albert was not in operation Friday because of the rise in water levels. A Ministry of Transportation official said the closure was necessary for public safety reasons but could not say for how long the temporary closure would last. The public is advised to check the Highway Hotline regularly for updates.

–

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow