River conditions with precipitation in the forecast

In past large-scale flooding events, the majority of rain has to come from the mountain area.

Brown says to keep in mind there’s still quite a bit of snowpack in the mountains.

But our flooding doesn’t really get impacted by the precipitation we receive locally.

“Even given in past events, 20-30 millimetres of rain is still quite minimal and shouldn’t have much of an impact. We should see a little bit of a rise in the river within the next couple of days, just given what we’re seeing upstream of Medicine Hat but that is expected to taper off after that.”

As for the summer flood season, Brown says that historically happens the third week of June.

Adding that rain is the main driver, so we could see those conditions anytime between now and into July.

Brown adds his department is going through annual flood exercises, “So we’re prepared as always should an event occur,” he said.

Meantime, flow rates in local creeks are a little above average, Brown anticipates that to increase as well, but shouldn’t be an issue.

by Chantal Wagner

River conditions with precipitation in the forecast

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