The late-May storm system, which elicited an Environment Canada rainfall warning for parts of Rocky View, caused localized flooding and damage to County infrastructure and roads.
While most of the rain-damaged roads are now open, a number are still in rough shape and sections of two, Range Road 43 and Church Ranches Boulevard, remain closed due to washout.
“Friday the 27th was the worst,” said Steve Hulsman, Rocky View’s maintenance supervisor.
“We had a lot of localized issues; there was so much rain in such a little bit of time.”
According to Hulsman, 70 to 120 millimetres of rain fell across the County between May 25 and 28, which caused creeks to overflow onto roads resulting in several road closures.
The problem was compounded by the late snowmelt and resulted in Rocky View’s culverts and ditches becoming overwhelmed, added Hulsman.
Although most of the water receded within 12 to 24 hours after the rain stopped, Hulsman said some localized concerns still exist, mostly on private property.
According to Hulsman, maintenance crews were working in 12-hour shifts to reopen roads and are now in clean up mode, fixing potholes, culverts and other infrastructure.
“We were back to normal as a maintenance crew by Sunday,” said Hulsman. “Now we are… getting prepared to do our annual gravel programs and dust abatement program as conditions permit.”
Hulsman said the worst appears to be over, but that County staff will keep a close eye on several creeks, as peak mountain snow melt may result in high water levels the first weekend in June.
“We will be ready and will have a presence,” he said.
For more information or to report a problem, contact Rocky View’s maintenance call centre at 403-520-6378.
