Alberta Flood Watch 2014

[Codes]

There is a lot of infrastructure that needs to be protected, though.

[maverickstruth]

From what I remember of the '95 floods, the biggest impact on most folks in Lethbridge isn't the threat of direct flooding to property - it's the closing of the bridges, and effects on the water/waste-water treatment facilities (both from the perspective of being able to keep up with the turbidity in the water, and the risk of overland flooding).

Facilities like Softball Valley, etc. in '95 were also completely under water. As a teen, I remember it being quite unnerving to see the water lines there (I played minor softball in Lethbridge, and spent a lot of time there) and in (e.g.) Helen Schuler well above our heads, just a few weeks later.

[Acey]

Just saw a picture of guys in Magrath in a canoe in their street or yard or something. Water still rising. Claresholm in trouble.

[codynw]

I'm supposed to be driving up to Calgary tonight, through Claresholm. Is that even going to be possible?

[Acey]

Most likely possible.

[undercoverbrother]

I can see this going very poorly for Medicine Hat in a few days......

[Acey]

They said the worst case is if the Oldman and Bow peaks come together at the same time (which forms the South Sask into Med Hat), and they're not sure that's going to happen yet. That's the only way for it to match last year's flow.

[djsFlames]

Medicine Hat has also issued a state of emergency.

[#-3]

Originally Posted by codynw

I'm supposed to be driving up to Calgary tonight, through Claresholm. Is that even going to be possible?

Could just take Highway 23. Just turn north at Coalhurst instead Fort McLeod.

[Madman]

New projections show significantly decreased peak flow
Posted Date: 6/18/2014
New projections from Alberta Environment estimate a significantly decreased peak river flow projection of 2,400 metres per cubic second. The peak river flow is expected to occur on Saturday morning.

The Emergency Operations Centre is revising its people and property protection plans. It is anticipated there will be no need for evacuation. Temporary mitigation efforts will be targeted to areas impacted at the forecast water levels. The Emergency Operations Centre will continue to operate and be prepared should the forecast change.

Residents continue to be asked to stay away from rivers and creeks for their own safety. They are also asked to give City crews the space they need to continue their efforts to put mitigation measures in place.

More information will be provided as plans are updated and more information becomes known.

http://www.medicinehat.ca//index.asp...&recordid=1706

[Acey]

Good news: Bow/Elbow/Highwood are all fine. Estimated flows for the Oldman/Saskatchewan have been reduced by half and it doesn't look like anyone will have to evacuate in Med Hat. Not sure how they were so far off in their estimates. In any event, Claresholm....




Lethbridge

Spoiler!

Taber

[Madman]

What is Claresholm's source of their flood?

It's not like they're on a river bank.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by Madman

What is Claresholm's source of their flood?

It's not like they're on a river bank.

Yeah, was wondering this myself.

[Codes]

I think it's likely just overland flooding; the ground is so saturated, that water simply pools, and eventually, the puddle escapes whatever geographical confines containing it.

Lots of places in Lethbridge are experiencing this right now. There was a mini river flowing over one of the range roads on the way to work this morning because the "lake" that had formed in the farmer's field got too big!

[Acey]

Claresholm flooding "devastating," say residents.

My furnace is done, my hot water tank is done – it’s going to be another $5,000 to put it back in,” said Faulkner.

[It’s] pretty devastating. I don’t know if the insurance will cover it this year.”

The town’s mayor says, despite upgrades to the storm drainage system after the 2005 flood, too much rain fell in a short period of time.

http://globalnews.ca/news/1403015/tw...more-flooding/

Near Lethbridge

[Trumbull]

Crossing my fingers for people in Claresholm.

[Sr. Mints]

I have to go to a wedding in Taber on Saturday. I hope to god it's cancelled.

[Acey]

Taber area looks a bit like this.

[Flacker]

Originally Posted by Madman

What is Claresholm's source of their flood?

It's not like they're on a river bank.

They would be draining into the Willow Creek watershed which took a direct hit today with the rainfall.

[Cole436]

Christ...not again.