The Town is assessing areas that it needs to mitigate damage from imminent flooding.
    Shortly after 9 a.m. today the Town of Drumheller issued a release saying flow levels are expected to peak between 700 and 1,000, cubic metres per second, far below the levels of 2005 or the one in 100 year flood level of approximately 1,500 cubic feet per second level.  This could change as the day progresses.
    The Town of Drumheller’s Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and right now they are looking at a plan to mitigate low lying areas.
    “Right now we have Bill Hunter and Ed Palm doing shots and elevations. There are some areas the town is aware of that could flood,” said Mayor Terry Yemen.
    He said there are small areas in East Coulee, Lehigh, Rosedale and Nacmine that are low lying and the town may begin to build berms to mitigate the rising water. The have secured material for berming and have contractors available if need to help in construction.
    The water elevation at the Dickson Dam is expected to peak at noon, and it will take 28 to 30 hours before that water will reach the valley.
    The Emergency Operations Centre has activated inmates at the Drumheller Institution to begin filling sand bags and they will be available to those with a demonstrated need shortly at the Town Infrastructure Shops at 117 7th Ave SE.

DRUMHELLER, June 21, 2013 – 8:30am

The Town of Drumheller is on high alert as it has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) last night and the Emergency Preparations Plan was initiated in preparation for expected flooding within the Drumheller Valley.  Preliminary river flow projections have been reduced to more manageable levels.  The arrival of expected flood waters is anticipated within 36 to 60 hours (Sunday morning to Monday morning). 

Despite the reduced flow rate projections, (estimated at 1,000 m3/s) the Town of Drumheller is exercising great caution by initiating preparations to deal with expected flooding currently characterized as a 1 in 10 year flood event.  Actions identified within the Town’s Emergency Preparations Plan will continue as a more detailed report is expected from Alberta Environment before noon today.  We emphasize that flood conditions can change due to rainfall and increased river flow projections, take caution to ensure personal safety and protection of homes and personal property. 

For reference, the 2005 Drumheller Flood flow-rates approached (1,500 m3/s) and was characterized as a 1 in 100 flood event.

We continue to stress to citizens that the best way to be informed about the situation is to monitor local internet and radio based media as well as the Town’s Facebook page and website for the latest information at www.dinosaurvalley.com.