Fast melt raises concerns over possible flooding in High River

HIGH RIVER- Thousands of sand bags have been filled in High River to help protect homes from fast melting snow and ice.

Volunteers from Samaritan’s purse and Mennonite Disaster Service spent Wednesday helping town staff stock up on sandbags.

Dealing with the spring melt is nothing new for High River, but town officials say the sudden increase in temperatures, combined with an unusually high amount of snow, is making things worse this year.

And with the town still rebuilding from last June’s devastating flood, people are becoming nervous.

“Are people on edge? You betcha!” says High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass. “I am doing my best to communicate this is not an emergency and keep the anxiety level down because it doesn’t take much to get people piqued.  Understand that fully I am one of them.”

Fortunately, water is draining properly in about 70 % of the town.

High River homeowners can pick up sandbags at the Highwood High School.