Town of Peace River crews have been busy working to reduce the potential for high water and flooding from a late runoff of high snowpack.
Staff are taking steps to prevent any major problems that could occur from a fast melt, says Pat Fisher, director of infrastructure and development.
“The higher-than-normal snowpack does increase the overall potential for flooding this spring,” Fisher says.
“But at this time, there is no indication of a major flooding event yet.”
He says high water and flooding in spring can be common in the community located around the Peace River.
“Spring break-up is a normal part of living in a river community and most years pass without major issues,” Fisher says.
“That said, this year’s snowpack means it’s a good time for both the town, residents and property owners to be prepared.
He says citizens will be informed of any advisories as potential for risk arises.
“We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely and keep the community informed,” Fisher says.
People are reminded to stay off the river and riverbanks during this time as ice conditions are unstable and can change quickly.
“Emergency personnel can do little for someone who falls through the ice on the river so it is critical to avoid the river during break-up,” Fisher says.
He adds the Town keeps a close watch on the condition of the Peace River as warmer weather approaches.
“Spring break-up is something we monitor every year and conditions can change quickly depending on how the melt unfolds,” Fisher says.
“Our main concern is the potential for ice jams, which are very difficult to predict.
“We know that risk factors are present with lots of ice, lots of snow and temperature forecasting, but it’s very difficult to say if and how an ice jam will form.
“That makes it the biggest challenge to navigating a response.”
He says a slow melt is best.
“A gradual steady warm-up without heavy rainfall is the best-case scenario,” Fisher says.
“That allows the snowpack to melt slower and reduces pressure on the river system.”
It also gives ice more time to break up and move through the system in a controlled way, which lowers the risk of ice jams, he says.
Severe weather would cause serious problems.
“The most challenging scenario would be a rapid warm-up combined with rainfall and an ice jam,” Fisher says.
“That kind of quick melt can push a large volume of water into the river system in a short period of time and increase the likelihood of ice jams.”
He says ice jams can cause water levels to rise quickly and lead to localized flooding or more significant impacts, depending on where they occur.
Municipal crews are keeping a close watch on water and weather conditions.
“The Town is actively monitoring conditions in co-ordination with the Alberta River Forecasting Centre and other provincial partners,” Fisher says.
“We’ve checked and prepared our storm drainage systems to ensure they are operating properly and we have equipment ready, including pumps and sandbagging capability if needed.
“We are also reviewing our emergency response plans, including evacuation planning and Emergency Social Services, so we can respond quickly if conditions change (for the worse).”
Several areas of the town that have been prone to high water are also being closely watched.
“Historically, areas such as downtown, the north end, lower west Peace and areas along the Heart River and Pat’s Creek are more susceptible to flooding,” Fisher says.
“These areas are monitored closely and we factor them into our planning and response preparations.”
The lower west Peace can also experience a high groundwater table when water levels in the river rise, he says, which can cause flooding in buildings that have a basement.
“These areas are monitored closely by Town, the Province and BC Hydro and we factor in many things to our planning and response preparations,” Fisher says.
He advises residents to prepare for spring runoff.
“There are a number of practical steps residents can take,” Fisher says.
“Clearing snow away from foundations, roofs, window wells and vents helps prevent water from entering the home.
“It’s also important to make sure sump pumps are working and that water can drain away from the property.”
Residents are also advise to be ready in case high water impacts their property.
“We encourage residents to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit and have a basic plan in place in case conditions change for the worse.
“Making sure residents are signed up on Voyent Alert and following town pages for updates is important, too.”
Richard Froese
South Peace News