As many have heard by now, our area, including Three Hills and Hanna regions, is expecting a significant amount of rain over the weekend.
With the Red Deer River traversing the Drumheller Valley, many are wondering what the situation looks like for water levels. On Thursday, Town of Drumheller officials, along with a number of municipalities in our region, had a meeting with Environment and Climate Change Canada about the potential precipitation expected. According to Erica Crocker, Communications Officer with the Town of Drumheller, preparations have been underway up stream for this significant rainfall. “According to the Alberta Rivers App, the Glennifer Reservoir is currently at 78 percent capacity. They began outpouring yesterday, when it was at 80 percent, which means the flow rate of the Red Deer River, in Red Deer, is at 77 cubic meters per second and Drumheller is currently at 26 cubic meters per second, which is still below normal. In our conversations with Environment and Climate Change Canada, we are not at risk for a major flooding event at this time.”
With Drumheller expecting to get upwards of 80 millimetres of rain, there may be localized flooding. Crocker assures the public that the Town has sand at the ready, if needed. “If your property is prone to localized flooding or in a low lying area, we have sandbags and sand available at our Public Works area. If residents need this service over the weekend, please call our after hours line at 403-823-2512.”
Forecasters are expecting higher precipitation numbers in western regions which many tributaries of the Red Deer River begin. In years past, that is where the concern began with flooding in Drumheller, specifically back in 2013. Crocker reminds residents to avoid the river and the local tributaries if possible. “River safety is incredibly important, so we are asking everyone to stay away from riverbanks until conditions improve. Drumheller’s tributaries, including the Rosebud River, Kneehill, Three Hills, Michichi creeks, as well as our local drainage ditches are expected to see a rapid increase in flow and water levels within the next 48 hours. Please exercise caution in the (river and creek) areas.”
Town officials will be monitoring the situation throughout the weekend. We will keep you updated if any significant events happen over the weekend on boom 99.5, New Country 92.5, and Drumheller Online. Stay informed by visiting the Alberta Rivers website at rivers.alberta.ca. Weather information is available from Environment and Climate Change Canada. To stay apprised of what is happening with the Town of Drumheller, visit their Facebook page or the Town’s website.
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