Heavy rain in northwest Alberta prompted the province to issue high stream flow advisories in some areas Tuesday.
According to provincial forecasters, rain near the Smoky River basin near Watino (northeast of Grande Prairie) “has the potential to increase water levels… by up to 2 meters.”
The advisory also said that while the Athabasca River near Swan Hills will not likely flood, smaller waterways nearby – including the Swan, Driftpile, West Prairie and East Prairie Rivers – could rise by two to three metres.
“No flooding along the larger rivers is expected, flooding in low-lying areas is possible,” the advisory said.
On Tuesday afternoon, rainfall warnings were issued for areas near Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge, Valleyview, Peace River, Fairview, High Prairie and Manning.
“A low pressure system in central Alberta will strengthen and move towards the Peace country this evening bringing rain with a risk of thunderstorms to the Grande Prairie and Peace River regions,” Environment Canada said in the warning.
The weather system is expected to “stall” or stay in place over the Peace region Tuesday night and into Wednesday. The potential for thunderstorms also means that heavier pockets of rain are likely to be embedded within the system.
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“Total [rainfall] amounts of 50 to 70 mm [are] likely by Wednesday night. Depending on how fast the low moves off, another 20 mm is possible Thursday,” the rainfall warning said.
According to the province, high streamflow advisories are issued when “stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly and no major flooding is expected.”
Anyone situated close to the affected streams is advised to be cautious of rising water levels in the coming days.
Tuesday evening, no emergency alerts had been issued.
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