A spring runoff advisory has been issued for Alberta following warm weather on the weekend and a forecast of above zero temperatures throughout the week.
Alberta Environment warns of rapid melt of snow pack on the plains, which is likely to result in localized overland flooding. Water levels are expected to rise in small creeks but no significant issues are expected in the major rivers.
Plains snow pack is much above average in the central, southern and Peace regions of the province, the department said. It rates mountain snow pack as generally average to above average but said mountain melt is not expected to have a major effect now.
Alberta residents are particularly concerned about melt this year because of massive flooding in June 2013 that caused millions of dollars in damage.
A map showing the runoff outlook for the Alberta plains indicates potential for much above average runoff across the entire province, with the exception of the High Level region, which is rated as above average.
