Flood warnings, watches, and high streamflow advisories issued in Southern Alberta, June 13, 2022. (Photo: Alberta Government)

By Cathy Gibson and Mario Cabradilla

Flood warnings, watches, and advisories issued in Southern Alberta

Jun 13, 2022 | 6:40 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta is warning Albertans to be aware of rising water levels across the province, as rainfall warnings and flood watches are issued for many areas of Southern Alberta.

Government officials provided an update on the potential flood conditions in the province on Monday, June 13, 2022.

Effective 6:30 p.m. June 13, the province has issued flood warnings for the towns of High River, Okotoks and surrounding areas, and flood watches for Waterton Lakes, the City of Calgary, Kananaskis Country, and several areas between Calgary, Banff, and Exshaw.

High streamflow advisories have been issued for Willow Creek, the Oldman River Basin from Waterton to Lethbridge, and the Bow River from Calgary to the Oldman River confluence.

High streamflow advisories are in effect in Lethbridge, as well as areas both east and west of the city. To the west, advisories have been issued for areas surrounding the Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Brocket, Fort Macleod, Standoff, Granum and Claresholm. To the east of Lethbridge, areas near Taber, Vauxhall, and Grassy Lake also have high streamflow advisories in effect.

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Lisa Jackson, executive director, Environmental Emergency Management Branch, Alberta Environment and Parks, says a significant rain event is coming, which is starting to move into the eastern slopes.

“As it pushes up along the eastern slopes and we move upward on the mountains, we tend to see the rain intensify,” said Jackson, “and we’re looking at upwards to 150 millimeters over the next three days. So, that’s extending into Wednesday.”

Jackson says high snowpack levels are making conditions even worse.

“The complicating factor is we have an above-average snowpack in a lot of the higher elevations,” she said. “So, once the rain starts to fall in those areas, it intensifies and actually gives us a worse problem, as that snowmelt increases the water flow.”

There are currently 10 high streamflow advisories, 10 flood watches, and another five or six other warnings across the province, according to Jackson. She also cautioned that information is constantly being updated.

The latest details on flood watches and high streamflow advisories are available at rivers.alberta.ca. The provincial government also encourages Albertans to download the Alberta Rivers app and Alberta Emergency Alert app to stay informed of flood conditions.

Alberta Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon also asks Albertans to follow instructions when necessary and keep themselves updated with the latest forecasts.

“For your safety, please follow the latest details on river conditions and forecasts in your area,” said Nixon. “Please follow the directions. If there is a need to evacuate some areas — there is not right now — but if there is a need, cooperate with your local officials who are working to ensure everyone is safe.”

See current river advisories and flood watches across Alberta.

See the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada.