The reason for the extra caution is the fact that more water is being released from reservoirs than usual… and this includes the Souris River. It’s not cause for alarm, but it is the second provincial agency to recently issue a press release on wetter-than-normal pre-winter conditions. The full news release follow below.
— News Release —
The Water Security Agency is reminding the public that winter river flows can result in thin ice and create unsafe crossing conditions in many areas across the province.
Winter flows are continuing to be released from reservoirs across Saskatchewan and results in active flows under ice on the major systems. There are also other areas where natural flows are still occurring and also pose similar risks to the public. These flows are expected to continue throughout the winter season.
This is particularly important this year with many creeks and rivers seeing higher flows than normal for this time of year from the rainfall over the summer and fall months. Many streams which are normally dry by fall were still flowing at freeze up and may continue to flow through the winter.
Winter stream flow is an extremely serious thin ice hazard. Any person on or near a lake or river should use extreme caution when crossing. It is up to the individual to ensure that ice on a river or lake is safe for crossing or winter time activities.
The Water Security Agency was created to lead implementation of the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan. It will improve water management capacity and service to individuals, businesses and communities across Saskatchewan. This new agency brings together, for the first time, all of the major responsibilities related to water quality and quantity.
