Ice jam causes flood and prompts precautionary evacuation in Moose Jaw

MOOSE JAW, Sask. – A precautionary evacuation has been issued for residents of the valley surrounding the Moose Jaw River due to ice jams.

The ice hit with destructive force earlier this week, forcing the closure of the 7th Avenue bridge in Moose Jaw.

Churchill Park is underwater with some area residents using sump pumps and sand bags to protect their properties.

Ice is jammed up from Plaxton Lake all the way back to the south side of the city and the ice isn’t moving.

Officials stress the evacuation is precautionary, adding that emergency crews are discussing options with each home owner and they are using their rescue boat to help some residents get to land with their children.

Ice jam situation improving in Moose Jaw. @AdrianCheungCBC is there now with the latest http://t.co/fYXGw51OoU pic.twitter.com/hH9WWrXPO0

— CBC Saskatchewan (@CBCSask) March 19, 2015