The Water Security Agency (WSA) is advising the public of high stream flows for the North Saskatchewan River.
Flows in Alberta have risen to well above normal levels for this time of year with a peak expected in Edmonton today. This is the result of significant rainfall as of late, predominantly over the areas west of Edmonton, Monday and Tuesday this week.
Currently, the river is flowing at a rate of approximately 1,200 cubic meters per second (m³/s), while the normal flow for this time of year is around 220 m³/s in comparison.
Moreover, water levels throughout the system are expected to increase by roughly two meters, on average, from current levels because of rains.
Flows near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border are predicted to see an increase by tomorrow, and reach their peak late Friday or early Saturday, August 27. Then, peak levels in the Battlefords are forecasted for Sunday, and in Prince Albert late Monday or early Tuesday of next week.
While this event is noteworthy for late August, it is not too severe a flow rate for the system, and thus, is not expected to result in any substantial flooding or damage to areas downstream of Edmonton.
The Water Security Agency is continuing to monitor the situation as well as providing detailed forecasts via provincial advisories to municipalities along the river, especially to those in the areas affected by the Husky Oil Spill cleanup efforts.