*Update*
The Red Deer River continues to be under a High Stream Flow Advisory as of the afternoon of Friday, June 8. The status of the water level has now been listed as falling.
“We’re seeing falling north of Dickson Dam, but things are still at a stage 1 advisory, [downstream]” said Jessica Potter, spokesperson for Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development.
The Little Red Deer River continues to be under a flood warning. More precipitation, between 40–60 millimetres, is expected on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains this weekend.
The major river basins in Alberta were cause for concern this past week after heavy rains, up to 130 millimetres, in the Rocky Mountains dramatically raised river levels.
The rising waters prompted high river warnings and flood watches throughout Alberta.
Keep checking back at www.drumhellermail.com for more on the status of the Red Deer River.
River rising eads to high stream advisory for Red Deer River
Eyes are on the Red Deer River as of Wednesday afternoon, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Development issued a high stream flow warning for the river downstream of the Dickson Dam.
Fire Chief Bill Bachynski said there are no immediate risks of flooding, although the river is expected to rise.
According to Alberta Environment up to 30-100 millimeters of rain fell earlier this week on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. On Tuesday afternoon, a High Stream Flow Advisory was issued for the Red Deer River upstream of the Dickson Dam. This was upgraded to Flood Watch on Wednesday before noon, but by Thursday morning had been downgraded back to a High Stream Flow Advisory and was listed as peaking.
According to Alberta Environment a High Stream Flow Advisory means that stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, although there is no major flooding expected. There is a possibility of minor flooding in low-lying areas.
A Flood Watch means that stream levels are rising could approach or exceed bank full. Flooding of areas adjacent to these streams adjacent to these streams may occur. They advise that anyone situated close to the river to take precautionary measures.
A Flood Warning means that stream levels will result in the flooding of areas adjacent to stream affected.
On Wednesday afternoon a Flood Warning was issued for the Little Red Deer River, which joins the Red Deer River downstream of the Dickson Dam.
An overview of the status of the Little Red Deer River states that the water at the mouth was expected to peak on Thursday evening at 200 cubic metres per second, an increase of 2 metres from current levels.
As of Thursday morning at 9 a.m. The high stream flow warning issued for the Red Deer River downstream of Dickson Dam, which includes Drumheller, remained in effect as water levels continue to rise.
The Red Deer River as of Thursday at 9 a.m.
The Red Deer River as of 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 8. Rising waters had competely covered the sand bar by the Gordon Taylor Bridge.
