An Ice Jam Watch for the North Saskatchewan River downstream of Rocky Mountain House is being issued due to a freeze-up ice jam near the David Thompson Highway (Hwy 11) crossing.

Over the weekend, officials say an ice cover formed through Rocky Mountain House as part of normal river ice processes, raising water levels.

According to Rivers Alberta, in the morning of Feb. 1, water levels in Rocky Mountain House fell by 2m, indicating this ice cover had collapsed and pushed downstream, forming an ice jam. Officials note that water levels in Rocky Mountain House have begun to rise as the ice cover re-forms between the campground and Highway 11A.

The River Forecast Centre, Clearwater County and the Town of Rocky Mountain House are in contact and monitoring conditions. Extra caution is advised for anyone taking part in activities near the North Saskatchewan River around Rocky Mountain House, as officials warn, water levels could fluctuate rapidly.