The Town of Cochrane has received numerous calls regarding overland flooding on the streets and in residential areas and crews are out trying to manage the situation as rain continues to fall.
Rainfall has also forced the postponement of the Indigenous People's Day event at Glenbow Ranch Park and a new is yet to be determined.
More than 50 mm of rain as already fallen in the Bow Valley Region and Environment Canada is warning that a low pressure system will continue to bring rain. Total rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 mm are expected with local accumulations possibly exceeding 100 mm in the Bow Valley region.
"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations," the warning reads.
According to the town, "crews now have a good handle on locations where streets are flooding" and the is no need to report overland flooding.
With all the rain this week, overland flooding is possible in some areas. If you think this is happening in your area (and not just slow on-street drainage) please call the Town Operations Shop at 403-851-2590 and leave a message with your address and phone number so town staff can follow up.
If you’re in area where there is standing water in the roadway, please use caution when driving and consider delaying your travels. Puddles may be deeper than they look and can cause vehicles to stall.
Cochrane Eagle readers have been sending photos to the paper. One dramatic shot shows erosion on the hill where the Ag Society sign is creating a waterfall cascading toward the highway.
As of 9:30 a.m. the river was at 1.5 metres and the town said crews are watching its levels but there are no concerns at the moment.
The town issued the following statement regarding the flooding:
"In general, stay away from parks and all waterways until water levels subside. The Cochrane Ranche has been closed; crews are placing barricades in other parks and around waterways for public safety."
Sunset Ridge
The runoff is coming from the undeveloped area at the north end of Sunset. Plans are underway to put a portable dam in place to stop the flow of water. In the meantime, if you’re in an area where there is standing water in the roadway, please use caution when driving and consider staying home. Puddles may be deeper than they look and can cause vehicles to stall.
Swales
If you have a swale (drainage infrastructure) in your backyard, please ensure it is free of debris so water can flow away from your property.
Watch for updates on Facebook.com/TownofCochrane,
Twitter @TownofCochrane and cochrane.ca/SituationUpdates
