Parts of the county’s creeks are starting to test the road culverts as spring melt appears to be in full swing.
The “coulee” outside the Town of Irricana – along Highway 567 – has reports of overland flooding, as well as portions of Crossfield Creek near Township Road 270 and Range Road 270, east of Irricana.
The road was closed in the area on March 13.
”Rocky View County is facing essentially the same issue as the other communities in Southern Alberta,” Grant Kaiser, communication manager with Rocky View County, said.
“For cities, water is backing up at frozen and blocked storm sewers. In the country, it’s backing up at frozen and blocked culverts and ditches.”
Due to last week’s warm temperatures, significant runoff is expected because of snowmelt, which forced the government of Alberta to issue a Spring Runoff Advisory Alert for Southern Alberta March 10.
“This may cause localized overland flooding as the water makes its way into streams. Stream levels will rise due to the runoff and may also cause flooding,” the alert stated.
Over the coming weeks, temperatures across the province are expected to be at or above normal seasonal values for an extended period of time.
According to Environment Canada, temperatures throughout the county are expected to hover near 6°C, warmer than the average seasonal high of -2°C. A rapid melt caused by the quick change to normal and above normal temperatures combined with the existing above average snowpack in the plains may cause localized overland flooding as the water makes its way into streams.
The Province warns, in low-lying areas where water does not have a direct route to stream channels localized “ponding” can be expected.
“Over the next several days, water levels will rise in the smaller creeks with a possibility of flooding in adjacent low-lying areas. No significant water level rises are expected in the major rivers. The mountain snowpack is generally average to above average, although the resulting melt from the mountains is not expected to negatively impact water courses at this time,” the alert stated.
“Our crews are travelling around the County, melting the ice to help clear the standing water. At this time, there’s little difference from what we see every time warm spring weather comes quickly,” Kaiser said.
“The exception is Range Road 270 near Highway 564, where unusually high water has flooded the road and damaged it. Crews are waiting for the water to recede, and then they’ll repair the roadway.”
RVC covers nearly one million acres and crews rely on residents to report areas of flooding. Residents that see overland flooding caused by culvert/ditch backups, or flooded roadways, are asked to call the County’s response centre at 403-520-6378.
