Water levels in the Smoky River at Watino as of 3 p.m. Friday (Photo: Water Survey of Canada / Alberta Environment and Parks)

By Shaun Penner

Evacuation Order

Mandatory evacuation order issued for hamlet of Watino

Jul 3, 2020 | 5:48 PM

Birch Hills County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for the hamlet of Watino and surrounding low lying areas, as water levels continue to rise in the Smoky River following this week’s heavy rainfall.

An emergency alert was issued for the mandatory evacuation order at 5:35 p.m. on Friday, July 3.

“Evacuate immediately. Report to the Reception Centre at Tangent Community Hall. If you need transport call 780-814-0530 to evacuate”

Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) says water levels in the river at Watino have risen by five metres as of 5:24 p.m. July 3. The river could possibly rise by another two metres by the time levels peak on Saturday or Sunday.

That could differ in reality though, as a gauge has been damaged by high water flows, according to AEP. They say levels could be affected by unknown amounts of contribution from the Wapiti River.

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Flood watches are still in place at the Simonette River, the Wapiti River and its tributaries and the Peace River at Fort Vermilion.

The hamlet of Watino is located along Highway 49, about 70 kilometres east of Rycroft.