The town of Okotoks, south of Calgary, escaped major damage in last year’s June floods, despite record flows in the Sheep River.
This was mostly due to flood prevention measures implemented after the southern Alberta flood in 2005.
Improvements were made to the storm sewer system so floodwaters could not flow through the sewers into downtown. A berm had also been built by Riverside Park.
The nearby town of Black Diamond didn’t suffer major damage either, but the Sheep River bridge connecting Black Diamond and Turner Valley was washed out, forcing people in the area to make an hour-long detour.
GALLERY: Images of Black Diamond in the 2013 flood
Here’s a look “by the numbers” at the impact of the 2013 floods on Black Diamond and Turner Valley:
22 – The number of days it took to repair the Sheep River bridge that directly links Black Diamond and Turner Valley.
9,000 – The number of vehicles that use the bridge each day.
1,500 – The length in metres of a high volume fire hose used to transport water from Turner Valley to Black Diamond after the flood destroyed the town’s water treatment plant. It was later replaced by a permanent underground pipeline.
12 – The number of months water restrictions have been in effect in Black Diamond and Turner Valley.
5 – The number of businesses damaged in Black Diamond, including the town’s dental clinic and post office, both in a strip mall.
66 – the number of camping spots flooded at Black Diamond’s only campground, resulting in financial losses for local businesses
300 – The length in metres of a dike built to protect the campground.
450 – The length in metres of a planned dike on the riverbank along Vales Greenhouse in Black Diamond.
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