LETHBRIDGE – City of Lethbridge officials say the Oldman River peaked in the city around 6 a.m. Friday morning.
“The river was flowing at its predicted 2,100 m3 per second this morning, and it will continue at those levels for the next few days,” says Lethbridge Fire Chief Brian Cornforth.
All access points to the river bottom are blocked off for public safety because paths and parking areas are under water.
Large trees and other debris are flowing down the Oldman River and the banks are extremely unstable.
Despite the high river levels, water is still potable, but should be used sparingly.
“We are asking residents to please cutback on water usage at this time so we can monitor the treatment process of the water while levels are so high,” adds Mayor Chris Spearman.
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The Paradise Canyon Golf Course has experienced extensive damage. River water is covering a large portion of the course and has eroded the banks.
“Right now we have over six feet of the bank gone on hole 17, it just dropped off,” says course manager Mike Flieshhauer.
Bridgeview R.V. Resort was also hit hard. City officials told park manager Denise MacArthur it could be days before they are allowed back in.
“We have 20 inches in the building, and we have been told it will be three days before the water will go down. We will then have to wait another three days to get the sewer and water up and running.”
The river valley will remain closed until further notice.
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