Water Levels in the South Saskatchewan River

Alberta Environment has upgraded from High Streamflow Advisory to Flood Watch for the South Saskatchewan River including the City of Medicine Hat. As peak flows from the Bow and Oldman Rivers make their way downstream, South Saskatchewan River water levels continue to rise and are expected to peak in the next 24 hours.  These high levels will be sustained for at least a few days.

Minor flooding in parkland areas is expected. Residents are advised to use extreme caution when visiting areas along the river. The rising river water levels and potential for bank erosion or sloughing is a concern, however no homes or businesses are expected to be at risk.

Municipal Works is conducting regular inspections along Harris Street and the areas surrounding the arena. River Road is closed due to the current high flow of the South Saskatchewan River but there is still access to the City Hall and Court House Parkades via Fourth Avenue. There is no access from Maple Ave.

Parkview Drive between Finlay Bridge and the train bridge has one lane open.  Parks & Outdoor Recreation continues to monitor trails and parkland along the river.

The City continues to closely monitor the situation and mitigation plans have been developed for low lying areas along the river that may be impacted.

Residents are advised to use caution around the river and motorists are asked to observe all road signs.

Water Levels in the South Saskatchewan River

Alberta Environment has upgraded from High Streamflow Advisory to Flood Watch for the South Saskatchewan River including the City of Medicine Hat. As peak flows from the Bow and Oldman Rivers make their way downstream, South Saskatchewan River water levels will rise. The City continues to closely monitor the situation and mitigation plans have been developed for low lying areas along the river that may be impacted.

Minor flooding in parkland areas is expected. Residents are advised to use extreme caution when visiting areas along the river. The rising river water levels and potential for bank erosion or sloughing is a concern, however no homes or businesses are expected to be at risk.

Municipal Works is conducting regular inspections along Harris Street and the areas surrounding the arena. River Road has been closed as a precautionary measure. Parks & Outdoor Recreation continues to monitor trails and parkland along the river. The following trails have been closed until further notice.

• Kiwanis River Park and the trail through the park
• Strathcona Island Park Boat Launch
• NW Riverside trail from the Trans Canada Highway to 5 Avenue NW
• Echo Dale Regional Park Boat Launch
• Echo Dale Regional Park Shale trail from the boat launch to the east end of the park
• Parkview Close trail between Maple Avenue bridge and Police Point Park west entrance
• Strathcona Park trail along the river from Lions Park to Strathcona picnic area
• Lower trails in Police Point Park

*UPDATED June 21st*

There has been a huge amount of press releases coming out from the city regarding the flooding issues around and in Medicine Hat, below are a complete archive of all of the releases so far (listed newest first):

June 20th – 2:50PM – Flood Status Update #2

An update received from Alberta Environment indicates that the Medicine Hat area can expect rain starting tonight and continuing for most of tomorrow. Approximately 40 to 50 mm is expected.

The rain will cause the water flow levels of the creeks to increase to the maximum levels reached on Saturday. The South Saskatchewan River is currently cresting and the impact of the rain on the river in Medicine Hat will not been seen for a couple of days.

Residents are reminded to follow all road and park closure signs. At this time Police Point, Kin Coulee and Strathcona parks remain closed. Although the water may have receded in some areas, a safety concern still exists until crews have had time to clear debris and conduct proper safety assessments. A complete list of road closures is posted on the City of Medicine Hat website.

Residents affected by evacuation are being advised not to return to their homes at this time. The situation remains uncertain as the impact of the rain is unknown. Prior to returning to their homes they are encouraged to contact Alberta Health Services at 403-502-8205 for information about safety precautions to follow. In addition safety code inspections should be conducted. A complete list of service providers that home owners should consult prior to returning to their homes will be posted on the City of Medicine Hat website Monday.

Due to the road closures, the City will be making necessary adjustments to the transit routes. Once alternative routes have been determined, maps will be posted on the City website or residents can call 403-529-8214 more for information.

The Evacuation Centre will close tonight but will remain on standby to reopen if necessary.

The Volunteer Centre will remain open until 10:00 pm tonight and anyone interested in volunteering can call 403-502-8565 to register. THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »

*This is an outdated advisory, please view our Flood Updates (Complete Listing) post for more up-to-date information.*

With the recent rain fall, Medicine Hat and Cypress County Emergency Management staff are monitoring the water levels in the region.

A High Streamflow Advisory has been issued by Alberta Environment for the South Saskatchewan River including the City of Medicine Hat. This means that stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly and no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low lying areas is possible. Anyone situated close to the streams affected is advised to be cautious of the rising levels.

A Flood Warning has been issued by Alberta Environment for all tributaries flowing north out of the Cypress Hills. This means that rising stream levels will result in flooding of areas adjacent to the streams affected. Anyone situated close to the river should take appropriate measures to avoid flood damage. THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »