The Water Security Agency is warning of an increased risk to safety around Prince Albert because of quickly increasing flows to the North Saskatchewan River.

The WSA says it is expected 2000 m3/s (cubic metres per second) in Prince Albert by Friday. That is up significantly from the original estimate of 1,500 m3/s.

The WSA says it is due mostly to increased flows from Alberta combined with recent rainfall in the North Battleford region. Residents living along the river are reminded it is a safety risk and the high water levels could damage property.

The Saskatchewan RCMP issued a warning Wednesday saying that waters which look calm can be dangerous because of the currents. That cautionary note came after three recent drownings: two 6 year old boys, one at Makwa Lake and one in the Sucker River, drowned; as did an 18 year old from Lashburn who drowned while tubing on Battle River.