River Update #2 - Medicine Hat Now Under High Streamflow Advisory

The South Saskatchewan River at the Medicine Hat water treatment facility on Monday evenng. The province has issued a high streamflow advisory for the city. (Photo Alex McCuaig)

The City of Medicine Hat is now under a high streamflow advisory with water levels on the South Saskatchewan River expected to rise up to 2.5 metres.

No major flooding is anticipated but the municipal government has yet to provide any information to the public nor has any guidance been given by local emergency services. As of Monday evening, municipal boat launches remain open.

Upstream municipal governments experiencing high stream advisories including Taber, Lethbridge and Calgary are cautioning residents regarding activities on the river due to potential of dangers from unstable riverbanks and debris in the water.

Lethbridge is requesting residents to limit water usage as the turbidity levels on the Oldman River have increased resulting in murkier water and increasing stress on the municipalities water treatment facility.

Calgary has shut the Bow River in the city for boaters, warning of the dangers of debris which pose a risk to watercraft operators of all skill levels.

The Municipal District of Taber has closed the Grand Forks Campground located at the confluence of the Bow and Oldman rivers and is warning its residents to remain well clear of the riverbanks.

The Oldman River at the confluence is currently running at 387 m³/s and rising as of early Monday evening with the Bow River at 433 m³/s at the head of the South Saskatchewan River.

The South Saskatchewan River is running at 620 m³/s as of 18:00 and is currently rising with water levels at 3.8 metres as of early Monday evening.