Officials in Edmonton are warning people to stay away from the North Saskatchewan River with heavy rain expected to raise water levels and boost flooding concerns.

More than 100 millimetres of rain has fallen in to the North Saskatchewan River over the past week, ripping up trees along the riverbank and creating dangerous currents.

The North Saskatchewan River originates in the Rocky Mountains and ends in Saskatchewan.

Heavy rainfall in the mountain range led to the rising water levels currently being seen.

Evan Friesenhan, the manager of the river forecasting branch with Alberta Environment, says it took about 24 to 36 hours from the rainfall in the mountains to make its way down to affect the city.

In the past 24 hours, the river has risen about three metres and at certain sections of the river the flow rate is five times stronger than normal.

"The speed of the river and the rate of flow will wash you in there so quickly," said Chris Ward, the city of Edmonton's branch manager for utility services. "Just stay away."

Ward says the city has closed sewer outfalls that lead into the river from the community of Rossdale, in an attempt to restrict flooding. If the outfalls were left open, they would backup from the sheer volume of water and then cause flooding.

The city has also closed several trails near the river to in an effort to keep people safe, with dog owners in particular asked to keep their pets away from taking a dip in the river or playing in nearby dog parks.

However, officials say flooding isn't expected unless water levels rise two-and-a-half to three metres overnight. The river is only expected to rise a metre.

With a report from CTV Edmonton's Michel Boyer