A file photo of the Red Deer River from Red Deer. (rdnewsNOW)

By Josh Hall

Alberta

City of Red Deer preparing for potential flooding

Jun 14, 2022 | 1:11 PM

In light of increased risk of flooding, The City of Red Deer initiated its Emergency Operations Centre Tuesday morning.

The City will hold a media conference at 2 p.m. to share more details about the developing situation, though there is no imminent risk to the public or property.

“City crews are working to protect infrastructure and prepare for potential flooding,” said Director of Emergency Management, Ken McMullen. “We have crews preparing sandbags and working to ensure we are ready to respond and support the community, as needed, over the next 48 hours,”

McMullen explains that activating the Emergency Operations Centre allows emergency crews to monitor conditions in a coordinated way, prepare mitigation efforts and prepare a coordinated response for anticipated flooding.

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• Stay off the Red Deer River.
• Ensure your downspouts are working and are down
• If you use rain barrells, consider draining them regularly away from your house
• Report blocked catch basins to Public Works at 403.342.8238
• Remove important documents and items from your basement
• If you have a sump pump, ensure it is working
• Drive according to conditions and avoid driving through pooled water
• Obey all closures and barricades

The Lion’s Campground was closed to campers Tuesday morning and all boat launches into the river are closed. Residents are asked to stay off the river as conditions will change quickly.

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According to rivers.alberta.ca, which is where you can check for the most up-to-date water level and flood risk updates, the following advisories are in place:

*These river status descriptions may be outdated. Please check rivers.alberta.ca for the latest.

Flood warning (Water level RISING as of 10 a.m. June 14)

-Little Red Deer River

Flood watch (Water level RISING as of 10 a.m. June 14)

-Tributaries of the Red Deer River between Burnt Timber Creek and Gleniffer Reservoir including Bearberry, Fallentimber, James and Raven Rivers

-Red Deer River basin upstream of Burnt Timber Creek and along the mainstem to Gleniffer Reservoir

High streamflow (Water level FLUCTUATING as of 10 a.m. June 14)

-Red Deer River mainstem from the Dickson Dam to the Saskatchewan border

River Impacts

• Water level rises of between 2 and 3.5 meters are possible
• Red Deer River – Forestry Trunk Road near Mountain Aire Lodge impacted
• Red Deer River Sundre – extensive flooding of the Bearberry plain (low lying areas upstream of Sundre); campground in Sundre may be impacted is flows are high for a long period of time
• Little Red Deer River – Hwy 587, Red Lodge Provincial Park and Westward Ho Campground significantly affected; 0.75-1 m higher than levels observed in May 2020

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“Alberta’s government and the Alberta Emergency Management Agency are closely monitoring flood risks in central and southern Alberta. Although our cities and towns have much better on-the-ground flood protection in place than in previous years, we will be watching weather developments and river levels closely over the coming days. The Alberta government is at the ready to take action and coordinate with local communities should flooding conditions develop,” says a statement from Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver and Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon.

“To all residents in the affected communities, please ensure you and your family are prepared and follow the directions of local officials. If you haven’t done so already, please download the Alberta River app and the Alberta Emergency Alert app to keep informed.”

This story may be updated as the situation evolves, and once The City has updated media.

More information about flood preparedness is also at reddeer.ca/flood.