Heavy rains prompted Alberta Environment to issue a high stream flow alert for the Bow River Basin and its tributaries upstream of Calgary, June 6.
Water levels near Cochrane rose to very high levels, as the Bow River, Big Hill Springs Creek and Jumping Pound Creek swelled with rainwater and spring runoff.
“Water levels in the area are still quite high, but we don’t see any risk of flooding,” said Emily Cargan, communications manager for the Town of Cochrane, on June 7.
“The risk of flooding is minimal to nil. Our main concern is to ensure that the public stays safe. We recommend that people exercise caution and stay away from the water if they can, as it is dangerously fast-flowing and cold.”
Cargan said she and the Town’s Emergency Management Team (EMT) observed high flows coming through stormwater outlets at Jumping Pound Creek on June 6, but levels were significantly lower the following day.
She said there was some water seepage encroaching on the areas immediately adjacent to the north bank of the Bow River, however, it did not pose a threat to property.
“(Seepage) is to be expected with the water being that high, but there is no danger to property from that overflow,” said Cargan.
She said the Cochrane’s EMT is monitoring Big Hill Creek.
Cargan noted the last time there was extreme flooding in Cochrane was in 2005 in the Bow Meadows area, where the Bow and Jumping Pound Creek join.
“The current situation is being closely monitored because we did have that situation in 2005,” she said.
“However, it is hard to see that situation being replicated unless we were to have a month’s worth of heavy rain. That situation was quite the phenomenon and is not likely to be repeated.”
On June 7, Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation announced the closure of a number of provincial parks due to flood risk.
In the Kananaskis area, parks and recreation areas that are closed until further notice include the Bow River Campground, Three Sisters Campground, Porcupine Group Campground, Heart Creek Day Use Area, Grassi Lakes Trails and Fallen Timber Provincial Recreation Area.
Travel is not recommended for Cougar Creek Trail, Grotto Canyon Trail and Heart Creek Trail.
Upwards of 65 millimetres of rain fell in the area between the evenings of June 5 and June 6.
With rains expected to continue, residents are advised to avoid low-lying areas and those prone to flooding.
For more information on current stream flow advisories and emergency alerts, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website at www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca
For more information about park and trail closures, visit www.albertaparks.ca
