The North Saskatchewan River begins at 1,800 m (5,905 feet) ASL at the toe of the Saskatchewan glacier in the Columbia Icefields. It flows some 1,287 km (800 miles) before reconnecting with the South Saskatchewan River 19 km East of Price Albert Saskatchewan and becoming the Saskatchewan River, which flows into Tobin Lake and into Manitoba, before flowing into Lake Winnipeg. It drains an area of 122,800 square kilometers (47,400 square miles).
(Source:Wikipedia)
The part of the river we are most familiar with, flows through the nearby city of Edmonton, where we used to live. On this day, we decided to go for a bit of a river valley walk, even if the weather was not perfect.
If you watch the weather at all, you may know that Edmonton had a lot of rain in June and July, this year. On July 1/2 we had 19.7 mm (3/4 inches) and in June, we had 106 mm (4 1/4 inches). Couple that with the snow melt in the mountains and the river is high and muddy this year.
While we see the photos in our nightly news, you do not get a real feel for it until you walk beside it. Fortunately, the mosquitoes were not a big problem during our walk, but even with the cool temperatures, the relative humidity created by this much rain made it seem so much warmer than it was.
We were able to park right near the Low Level Bridge. This was our first view of the river.The river has risen between 1 and 1.5 meters and rose by another meter by July 4 for a total of 2.5 meters (over 8 feet) above normalThe water was so high on this date that it was higher than the storm water outfall.The river bank is so wet, that trees near shore are drowning.Looking West toward the Low Level Bridge.Progress is being made on the Tawatina LRT bridgeView West from Louise McKinney Riverfront Park.View East from Louise McKinney Riverfront ParkView of Rafter’s Landing and Edmonton Queen riverboat dock. The riverboat is in drydock for repairs due to damage caused during river ice break up.View as we climbed up toward Grierson Hill RoadFrom Grierson Hill RoadView from RiverdaleBy the funicular promenade bridgeTrees floating down from upstream
After working for 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 3+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wanted me to do has been rewarding.
While I still miss the social aspect of working with a team of great people, I have managed to keep in touch with many from my former team and I have many friends and family members who now fulfill this part of my life. Now that my Patty has retired, we are able to spend more time in pursuits and with people who are near and dear to us.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may not become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
View all posts by kagould17
11 thoughts on “The Current Normal – Raging River”
I believe it. So much rain. Another 30-46 mm in Edmonton 2 days ago and more on the way Friday. Hot here today though. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
Definitely been a wet June and July. The last week, we finally got some heat and sun, so may salvage my tomato plants yet. Supposed to have a humidex of 98 here tomorrow, then the rain returns. Thanks for reading Susie. Allan
We had lots of rain this year in Sligo too and our main river that usually runs through the town and looks very pretty is now muddy and wild. Spells of rain are forecasted for the next few days and we just have to get used to spending more time indoors. Thanks for sharing and take care 😊 Aiva
I sometimes look forward to the rainy days as they let me slow down and catch up a bit. Looks like you are catching up today, for sure, Aiva. Thanks for that. Allan
Amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and thanks for stopping by. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
The south Sask river here is also crazy high this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe it. So much rain. Another 30-46 mm in Edmonton 2 days ago and more on the way Friday. Hot here today though. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
LikeLike
You sure have had your share of rain
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely been a wet June and July. The last week, we finally got some heat and sun, so may salvage my tomato plants yet. Supposed to have a humidex of 98 here tomorrow, then the rain returns. Thanks for reading Susie. Allan
LikeLike
Fingers crossed. I tried for years to grow tomatoes but never succeeded in Florida.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Had our first two ripe cherry tomatoes today. Yummy. Hurry up and ripen already. Stay well. Allan
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds lovely. Hope there are lots more to come 🍎🍎
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had lots of rain this year in Sligo too and our main river that usually runs through the town and looks very pretty is now muddy and wild. Spells of rain are forecasted for the next few days and we just have to get used to spending more time indoors. Thanks for sharing and take care 😊 Aiva
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sometimes look forward to the rainy days as they let me slow down and catch up a bit. Looks like you are catching up today, for sure, Aiva. Thanks for that. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person