Alberta Environment issued a high stream flow advisory last week for Seven Persons Creek in the province’s southeast, which remained in effect early this week.
The department also issued a snow melt advisory April 8, potentially affecting all tributaries flowing out of the Cypress Hills.
A high stream flow advisory means levels are rising, and flooding in low-lying areas is possible. A snow melt advisory means significant runoff is expected and may cause localized flooding. No major river flooding is expected.
Dennis Mann, emergency services chief for the County of Cypress, said nightly freezing temperatures have slowed snow melt, but the level of concern about flooding will increase if temperatures rise this week as predicted.
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“This is precedent setting,” Mann said of snow pack in the Cypress Hills, which is 250 percent of normal.
Farmland flooding is a problem as snow melt and runoff continue.
“There are lakes where there’s never been lakes before,” he said, noting land remains saturated from rain last fall.
County crews have successfully opened many frozen culverts to help with farmland drainage.
Residents in and around Irvine, Alta., east of Medicine Hat, suffered major losses last year because of flooding, but Mann said they are better prepared this year.
He said the county is also developing an early warning system with the City of Medicine Hat.
Officials are collecting phone numbers and e-mail addresses that can be used to alert residents about flooding or other emergency situations.
The system is expected to be operational in two to three weeks.
Fifty partial road closures are listed on the Municipal District of Taber’s website, mostly because of flooding. Water is also standing in many fields.
