Water Security Agency warns of potential for ice jams on Qu’Appelle River and other bodies of water

The Water Security Agency (WSA) issued an advisory this week warning out potential ice jams on the Qu’Appelle River, Swift Current Creek, the Moose Jaw River and the Wood River following the recent rapid melting of snow and runoff.

The WSA warned in a news release that ice jams increase the risk of localized flooding as they disrupt the normal flow of the river and can cause the water to breach embankments.

“While ice jams are not uncommon this time of year, higher than previously predicted water flows have been recorded or are expected on Swift Current Creek, the Moose Jaw River, the Qu’Appelle River, and the Wood River and ice is still present on these watercourses,” the agency said.

“(The) WSA is also undertaking preparations and operations along the Qu’Appelle River system to manage flows; however, this will not reduce the risk of ice jamming.”

It added people should be cautious as ice jams can be highly dynamic, resulting in rapidly changing water levels. Nobody should ever venture out onto an ice jam, the WSA added.

Warmer temperatures and higher flow rates may weaken the integrity of ice and reduce the potential for ice jamming, the WSA said.