With 150 millimeters of rain expected to fall in the area by Wednesday, higher than average snow cover in the mountains and already high river levels, the city of Calgary declared a local state of emergency (SOLE) on Monday afternoon.
“I realize that this may cause some fear, some concern for the Calgary people, especially those who went through this in 2013,” Mayor Joti Gondek said Monday afternoon. “I can tell you you’re in good hands.”
Gondek said SOLE would be in place over the next two weeks and would allow emergency workers to move quickly if needed. One example she gave was if Calgary police and firefighters had to knock on doors on an evacuation order.
Read more: Significant rainfall is expected in the Calgary area, which requires a special weather statement
“The other thing we have the opportunity to do is allow our experts from the water services team to have access to property if necessary to protect critical infrastructure. It also offers flexibility in buying members of the administration, if necessary, if we find ourselves in more difficult times, “she added.
The story continues under the ad
City officials said a number of measures have already been implemented.
A berm to protect the Sunnyside neighborhood is being built on Memorial Drive NW from Center Street NW to 3 Street NW, blocking traffic on this stretch of road. Additional pumps for problem areas and measures for rainwater drainage have been introduced.
1:58 The construction of the project for the Springbank reservoir outside the stream has started The construction of the project for the Springbank reservoir outside the stream has started – May 5, 2022
“The peak flow of the Bow River is expected on Wednesday or early Thursday afternoon,” said Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief Sue Henry.
Henry reiterated the warning that there was a recommendation for a boat on the Bow and Elbow rivers, restricting boating from these tributaries. Members of the Calgary Fire and Police Service will monitor the rivers, but will follow the advice themselves, unless necessary.
“Please be careful around the banks of the river, as fast-moving water can erode and destabilize those banks,” Henry said. “Talk to your children and talk to your family to stay away from waterways. Cyclists and pedestrians: please watch out for the lowlands, as you will see some closed paths. ”
The story continues under the ad
Provincial models that are rapidly moving to municipalities
Environment and Parks Secretary Jason Nixon said the province is focused on providing information and forecast models to municipalities as quickly as possible. He also encouraged Alberta residents to follow flood warnings and tips using the Alberta Rivers app and website.
There are 10 high-flow warnings, 10 flood observations and half a dozen flood warnings across the province.
On Monday afternoon, Lisa Jackson, executive director of the province’s branch of environmental emergency management, said that according to current models, High River, Altai, and areas upstream of southern Alberta are likely to be affected by as many floods as possible. .
0:39 The Minister of the Environment says that the Government of Alberta is ready to intervene in any potential flood situation The Minister of the Environment says that the Government of Alberta is ready to intervene in any potential flood situation
In an online address, High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass said that despite conditions like 2013, the city does not expect the same river flow and floods as it did nine years ago.
Popular stories
-
Amber Heard talks about Johnny Depp’s sentence, says trial not “fair”
-
How much will house prices fall when interest rates rise? It depends on where you live
The story continues under the ad
“As for the infrastructure that has been built, we are very well protected and our teams are ready and our operational teams are watching this,” Snodgrass said, urging homeowners to re-inspect items such as gutters and pumps.
Nixon noted that the flood mitigation measures the province and municipalities have built since the devastating floods of 2013 will help with the expected events this week.
“We are in a much better place than in 2013,” he said, adding that projects are still being worked on in the Calgary area, such as the Springbank Reservoir out of flow and protection upstream of the Bow River.
0:39 Alberta government officials watch “more than 150 millimeters” of rain in 3 days Alberta government officials watch “more than 150 millimeters” of rain in 3 days
“While municipal authorities typically respond to floods and other local emergencies through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, the Alberta government is ready to help with the response if necessary.
Jackson said her team is modeling potential changes along the Red Deer River, saying it is not as vulnerable at the moment due to the impact of Dixon Dam and other infrastructure.
The story continues under the ad
“But again, we’re really watching this closely,” she said. “The situation can change very quickly.”
Possible flood damage: expert
A water expert says the forecast for heavy rainfall in southern Alberta could cause damage in some areas, but there does not appear to be a recurrence of the deadly floods in 2013.
John Pomeroy, a hydrologist at the University of Saskatchewan and Canada’s Department of Research in Water Resources and Climate Change, says an interesting combination of events is happening.
“We have very high mountain snow cover at this time of year – one of the highest in decades – and this is due to heavy winter snowfall and a very cool spring,” Pomeroy said in an interview with Canmore, Alta, on Monday. “Then we have a very high rainfall forecast for the mountains and foothills.”
The story continues under the ad
Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for between 75 millimeters and 150 millimeters of rain until Wednesday morning in parts of Alberta, including Banff, Calgary and Rocky Mountain House.
1:57 Federal forces advance with the Springbank Reservoir near Calgary Federal forces advance with the Springbank Reservoir near Calgary – July 20, 2021
Alberta Environment has also issued a flood warning for the Bow River between Banff and Exhaw and is monitoring flooding on the Bow, Elbow and Highwood rivers upstream of Calgary and High River. Both communities were severely affected by the 2013 floods.
Calgary has issued a recommendation for high flow on the Elbow River and lowered water levels in the upper Bow and Elbow rivers to make room for potential flooding.
Read more: The city of Calgary is preparing for a potential flood this year
Pomeroy said people should follow the forecast closely, but noted that precipitation is currently expected to fall like snow, not like rain in the high mountains.
The story continues under the ad
“So far, this seems to be a colder system than in 2013,” he said. “This will accumulate snow cover instead of forming a rapid outflow to the streams.
“But there is always a lot of uncertainty – it depends on getting the exact air temperature within one or two degrees, so it could be wrong.”
Pomeroy said much would depend on what happened Monday night and Tuesday morning.
“From everything I see, it doesn’t look like this will be a 2013 event, although there is still a possibility of flooding in localized areas,” he said.
13
Elbow River Water Level in Calgary Monday, June 13, 2022 Global News
23
Elbow River Water Level in Calgary Monday, June 13, 2022 Global News
33
Elbow River Water Level in Calgary Monday, June 13, 2022 Global News
Snodgrass also acknowledged that conditions – high river flow, heavy rainfall and higher than average mountain snow cover upstream – could bring back memories of 2013 for city dwellers who suffered more than $ 5 billion in damage in the whole province.
The story continues under the ad
“If you or someone you know is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, those kinds of emotions that come back that were built in 2013, our FCSS department … they’re in the cultural center so you can go and talk with Shelley and her teams. They have information, they have kits to help you, to help you deal with such things, “said the mayor of High River.
– with files from Colette Derworiz, The Canadian Press
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment …
Add Comment