Flood watches and high streamflow advisories in Foothills County

Flood watches and high streamflow advisories have been issued in the Municipal District of Foothills County

The county sits immediately south of Calgary and covers 3,600 square kilometres including Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Longview and the Eden Valley Indian Reserve.

A Monday release from county officials indicated the area is expected to see a "prolonged and significant rainfall" from June 13 through until June 15.Current forecasts show the possibility of:

• 90 – 150 mm rain for the Bow River Basin; and
• 100 – 130 mm rain for the Highwood River Basin. 

FLOOD WATCH

As of 2 p.m. on Monday, a flood watch was in place for the following areas, according to the Alberta River Forecast Centre:

• Highwood River from the town of High River to the Bow River Confluence; and
• Fish Creek.

Officials say stream levels are rising and will approach or may exceed the bank.

"Flooding of areas adjacent to these streams may occur," said a Monday release. "Anyone situated close to the river is advised to take appropriate precautionary measures."

HIGH STREAMFLOW ADVISORY

As of 2 p.m. on Monday, High Streamflow Advisories have been issued for:

• All tributaries to the Highwood River upstream of the Town of High River.

High Streamflow Advisories are issued when stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly.

According to the 2021 Census, 23,199 people live in Foothills County.

HIGH RIVER RESIDENTS PREPARE FOR HEAVY RAINFALL

While there is a flood watch in place for the Highwood River, there is not currently a flood watch in place for the town of High River itself.

However, officials with the town note it is an evolving situation.

"At 10 a.m. this morning, the Town of High River held an Emergency Operations Team meeting, bringing staff together to ensure the town is well prepared for the coming days," said a Monday news release.

Town officials have taken a number of precautionary measures in place and say in the event of a local emergency, Alberta Emergency Alerts will send out a warning to all wireless devices.

In the event that Highwood River levels rise to between 300 – 400 cubic meters/second, Centre Street Bridge will be closed to traffic and pedestrians.

At 11:30 a.m. on June 13, Highwood River at Diebel’s Ranch river flow was recorded at 42.86 cubic meters/second. The Highwood River flow during the 2013 flood was 1830 cubic metres/second.

The Town of High River says crews will be setting up pumps throughout town at locations where there is known pooling of water on streets.

In addition, some trails and open spaces will be closed if required for public safety.

Mayor Craig Snodgrass says the town is prepared with around 12 kilometres of berm helping to protect homes, and businesses.

The mitigation efforts since the 2013 flood allow for nearly two times the amount of water to flow through the Highwood River compared to that year.

High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass says the new infrastructure can handle about 3,000 cubic metres per second, but adds he does not want to test it.

He says its important for residents to "make sure your own house and own property is taken care of" and your "down spouts are cleaned."

For the most part, residents don't seem too concerned at this time.

"We’re probably the most protected town in Alberta for floods," said Veirl Domes. "We may see a lot of water go through to the south and through the river, but we’re going to be just fine."

"The rain is great," said Cheryl Joyce. "Agriculture need the rain, the farmers, and we need it in town for our lawns. B everybody’s anxiety level rises a little bit as the river rises. "

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE

Should flooding become imminent, Foothills County residents can request sand and sandbags to be delivered by Foothills County Public Works, but you are responsible for filling and placing the sandbags yourself.

To place a request for sand and sandbags, call: 403-652-2390.

 - With files from Tyson Fedor