Edmontonians urged to stay away from rising, fast-moving North Saskatchewan River
Levels on the North Saskatchewan River are expected to rise three to four metres in the next 24 hours, and officials are warning people to stay off the water and avoid low-lying trails.
"The river conditions are going to get quite dangerous in the next 12 hours," said Randy Shakura, acting platoon chief with the fire department.
"One of the problems that we encounter with rising water levels is a dramatic increase with the flow rate of the river. This is going to change what is normally a relatively safe river into something extremely dangerous."
The water will have far more debris, with whole trees or branches floating down the river at a high rate of speed, Shakura said.
The high flow can also erode riverbanks, causing risks for people on trails close to the water's edge
"We're just asking people to stay away," said Shakura. "It can become so unpredictable, and can happen so quickly. High banks, low banks they can all erode they can all collapse."
The city expects there will be some minor flooding along the trail system, but doesn't expect the high water to reach private property.
"This is hopefully not going to be as dramatic as it can be," said Shakura. "We've had events far worst than this over the years."
The city will continue to monitor the water level.
Heavy rain has caused flooding in parts of central Alberta, including Westlock and low-lying areas of Lac Ste. Anne County.
