Dickson Dam operators have retracted an advisory of high reservoir levels issued Friday after rainfall levels over the weekend were less than anticipated late last week.

Dam operators on Friday advised Drumheller’s protective services a forecast of 100 mm of rain, or 4 inches, falling upstream of the Dickson Dam over the weekend. Expected inflows into the dam were expected to increase to just under 700 cubic metres a second by Sunday, with plans to release 100 cm/s on Saturday and peak at about 350 cm/s Sunday.

By Saturday, the rainfall inflow to the dam was not as high as was expected and dam operates scaled back their estimations. 

“Town residents may have notices in the past days that the river appears to be a higher level than in recent weeks, but the latest information received Saturday afternoon indicates that it will in no way reach a level that threatens the community and dam flow will not be an issue downstream,” said protective service’s Greg Peters. 

“The town is in constant contact with staff at the dam and will issue any updates immediately if the situation changes.”

Dickson Dam is a province-owned flow regulation dam on the Red Deer River located 20 km west of Innisfail and 50 km southwest of the Red Deer River. It’s reservoir is known as Glennifer Lake.

The lockdown put in place at the medium security unit at Drumheller Institution on July 11, 2016 has ended and an exceptional search has been completed. The institution has resumed its normal operations.

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is strengthening measures to prevent the entry of contraband into its institutions in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.

Visits to the institution have resumed.