While there is no imminent flooding risk in the area covered by the Red Deer River due to snowmelt at this point, heavy amounts of rain could change that in the coming days and weeks as the snowpack continues to melt, say officials.
“The snowpack in the mountains is slightly below seasonal levels and the water levels along the Red Deer River around Mountain View County are slightly above seasonal, but the tributaries are slightly below,” said Renee Hackney, a public affairs officer with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.
“Under the current conditions, if we continue with normal snowmelt and we don't have any rain, there really aren't flooding concerns at this time.”
She added that one of the major factors driving flooding risk in Alberta is rainfall – and that can only be predicted a few days in advance.
Ryan Morrison, director of disaster services for Mountain View County, said the municipality isn't concerned about the snowpack at this point.
He said normally, county staff don't start monitoring snowpack levels until about the last week of May, when they consult with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development on snowpack levels and other factors that might effect flooding.
If the flooding risk were to rise in low-lying areas near the Red Deer River, Morrison said residents should be listening to the radio and checking the county's website at www.mountainviewcounty.com for updated information.
“(In that event) we ask that they try and not pasture any animals close to the riverways. If there's any low-lying pastures, we ask that they … move their cattle out of those areas and stay away from the waterways,” Morrison said.
"Under the current conditions, if we continue with normal snowmelt and we don't have any rain, there really aren't flooding concerns at this time."Renee Hackney, public affairs officer, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
