UPDATE: Alberta towns try to hold off floods, amid rising water levels

CALGARY – The province is warning of rising water levels at several rivers in southwestern Alberta, amid a steady downpour of rain.

Between 30 and 60 mm of rain has already fallen in some areas, and precipitation is expected to continue until Saturday morning.

The government issued a High Streamflow Advisory on Thursday morning, warning of rising water levels at the Highwood River – and Bow River upstream of Ghost Reservoir.

The same advisory also warns of water levels rising quickly at the Elbow River, Sheep River – and Oldman River upstream of Lethbridge.

In High River, firefighters spent Thursday filling tubes to divert water away from a vulnerable neighbourhood.

“By getting out a little bit early, getting the emergency measures in place, hopefully based on what Mother Nature gives us we get on the good side, and water goes back where it’s supposed to be,” says dep. fire chief Trevor Allan.

The town has reassigned parks staff to sandbag duty, and will call for volunteers if the flow increases.

“High River is called High River for a reason, and the Alberta government acknowledges that we’ve done this so often, that we’re one of the best communities at doing this,” says Ross Shapka from the town’s protective services.

At this point no flood watches or warnings have been issued in the province.

Officials are monitoring water levels and will release an update if conditions worsen.