Wed, June 8, 2005
It's soggy down south Deluge causes rivers to overflow, more rain forecast
By SARAH KENNEDY, SUN MEDIA
Brothers Alex and Nick Malcolm walk past a pump in Lethbridge yesterday after heavy rains threatened homes with flooding. (CP Photo/Lethbridge Herald-David Rossiter) CALGARY -- Rivalling the historic floods of 10 years ago, rain-swollen rivers and streams burst their banks yesterday, flooding southern Alberta towns and forcing rural communities to evacuate. And the worst may be yet to come with forecasts by Alberta Environment that the torrential downpour could continue for at least two more days. Between 100 mm and 170 mm of rain has pounded some water-logged communities since Sunday, forcing several areas to declare a state of emergency. About 200 residents of High River were forced to evacuate to the Highwood High School after the Highwood River breached the banks, drowning yards and basements. A voluntary evacuation also was issued for about 3,500 residents around the community's golf course.
Officials were expecting the Highwood River to crest this morning, and predicted flow would increase from 450 to 750 cubic metres per second by early today. The last time the river peaked at these levels was almost 10 years ago to the day, in the worst flood to hit the province in 100 years. The floods of 1995 caused mass evacuations and more than $100 million in damages around southern Alberta. Yesterday afternoon, flood water forced the closure of a bridge and three blocks of the downtown in High River. Two separate states of emergency were also issued in the M.D. of Rocky View. In Bragg Creek, officials set up a command post and an emergency response team as water levels rose and rain continued to pound the area. As of last night, evacuation in the area was voluntary. In the hamlet of Langdon, emergency crews planned to work all night at the wastewater treatment plant to prevent any sewage backups. Residents of Claresholm also faced a foul situation as sewage wastewater backed up into their basements. Mayor Rob Steel said by yesterday afternoon 153 mm of rain had pounded down on the town within 24 hours. "It's maxed out the storm sewer system and the sanitary sewer system." Because of possible health concerns due to the sewage backup, Steel declared a local state of emergency. Schools were closed after the town was urged to limit water use. Because the town's water comes from Willow Creek, now tainted with dirt and debris from the fast-churning water, the town switched to using their 60-million-gallon reservoir. In Pincher Creek, volunteers scrambled to fill sandbags, and vacuum trucks sucked and pumped from storm drains and sewage systems. Mayor Don Anderberg also declared a local state of emergency. Anderberg said if rain continues to fall, the province may have to declare a state of emergency for the entire area. Okotoks, Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Fort MacLeod were also covered by flood warnings. Parts of Highway 22, Highway 549 and Highway 762 were closed due to flooding and washouts. Back in Calgary, the city opened the valves at the Glenmore Dam yesterday morning to allow excess water to flow through the Elbow River at a manageable rate. During the 1995 floods in southern Alberta, people lost homes or businesses in a disaster that cost more than $100 million.
Next story: Crash survivor was taking nap
Canadian forecasters are predicting more rain in the upcoming two days as floodwaters wash across southern Alberta, forcing people in West Bragg Creek and High River to evacuate their homes.


As rain continues to steadily fall, Alberta Environment has issued a flood warning on more than 20 rivers as more than 100 to 170 millimetres have fallen in certain areas over the last few days.

The sight of swollen rivers brings to mind the floods of ten years ago in the same region, when water levels rose to such a height that, at the time, it was considered a once in a 125-year event. 

About 200 High River residents have been forced to evacuate and about 3,500 people living around the community’s golf course were put under a voluntary evacuation order.

Meanwhile, Manitoba has also seen more rain than usual this time of year and is facing a flooding situation that’s been described as worse than the one faced by the province in 1999. Roads and bridges have been washed out and fears are growing among farmers that their crops will drown under the watery conditions.  

There have been estimates that as much as 10% of crops may have been lost in Manitoba. 

The wet weather has also been affecting the neighbouring province of Saskatchewan, where a flood watch has been put on towns surrounding the South Saskatchewan River basin.