The Meewasin Valley Authority is warning that, with the weather warming up in Saskatoon, the snow and ice is melting on the river. These conditions cause a higher flow of water that can cut into the ice and soil along the riverbank, causing shelves of unsteady ground that may initially appear solid.

Mike Velonas, Manager of Planning and Conservation at Meewasin says, “There are many areas of unstable ice shelves that are hard to distinguish from an elevated view. The ground below is so brittle that even children and pets can easily break though and fall into the river below.” He says, “With the higher and faster flow of the water, it is not a safe situation for even experienced swimmers.”

Meewasin is asking everyone to stay away from the shores of the river. The MVA says the conditions of the lower Meewasin Trail are prone to erosion bordering the South Saskatchewan River making the area extremely dangerous in the spring.