The snowpack at higher elevations of the Cypress Hills remains significant as seen in this photo take from Eagle Butte Road on Monday. (CHAT News photo).

By Alex McCuaig

Current Flood Risk

Cypress Hills snowpack high but no risk of creeks flooding yet

Apr 20, 2020 | 4:44 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The current snowpack in the Cypress Hills is being compared to that seen a decade ago when a rapid melt coupled with heavy rain saw unprecedented flooding from creeks running into Medicine Hat.

But while the snow in the hills might be high, the risk of flooding isn’t as of yet.

Terrence Lazarus, general manager of the St. Mary’s River Irrigation District (SMRID), says they’re in a “wait and see” mode regarding preparations regarding possible flooding.

As it now stands, “for irrigation, this is looking great,” said Lazarus.

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The caveat is whether or not the rains which hit the area in 2010 and pushed the SMIRD works above its capacity will return.

The following year also saw threats to the integrity of the Seven Persons earthen dam outside the hamlet south of the city.

County Councillor Dustin Vossler, representative for the Seven Persons area, says so far this spring both Seven Persons and Paradise creeks are in good shape to deal with the Cypress Hills runoff.

“If (the snow) melts at a fairly slow rate, the creek systems can handle it,” said Vossler, adding that downstream residents will likely notice higher stream flows with higher temperatures.

But he added that the Ross and Bullshead creeks are more at risk for flooding.

Both those creeks have seen significant increases in water levels between Sunday and Monday afternoon.

As of Monday morning, Bullshead Reservoir was reporting being at above capacity.