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Prince Albert police warning people to stay away from the North Saskatchewan River

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Prince Albert police warning people to stay away from the North Saskatchewan River
WATCH: North Saskatchewan River peaks – Apr 27, 2020

Prince Albert police are warning residents to stay away from the North Saskatchewan River.

On April 26, the river began to thaw after being frozen throughout the winter, resulting in a high-speed current sitting at a very high level.

According to a city press release, very high water levels resulted in flooding along the Little Red River Park riverbank and the Rotary Trail in Prince Albert.

The release said the river hit its peak at roughly 11:20 a.m. on Sunday, when it was 6.584 metres deep and flowing at 2,870 cubic metres per second.

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A typical summer day sees the river having a depth of around two metres flowing at 300 cubic metres per second.

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“We have been monitoring the river and it appears it has peaked and levels are steadily declining,” Wes Hicks, Prince Albert director of public works, said in a statement.

Hicks told Global News that readings from Monday morning showed the river had slowed down and was around five metres deep.

He said the last time the river was rushing this fast was in 1986.

“It’s the first time it’s topped the wall downtown for several decades and did cause some damage to the guard rail that was by the museum. There’s probably some minor damage along the river in the city [like] trees and debris,” Hicks said.

The city said it hasn’t received reports of damage to any properties.

Hicks said Little Red River Park and the boat launch will be closed until the water recedes and the areas can be cleaned.

The city is reminding people to refrain from gathering in crowds if you go to watch and to be careful.

-With files from Kyle Benning

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