June 20, 2022: The final mitigation measures to address bank erosion along Heart Creek in Lac des Arcs have been completed. There are no concerns at present time and no further information updates are planned.
June 17, 2022: The heavy rainfall has subsided and water levels in the rivers and creeks are stable. Mitigation measures to address erosion in Heart Creek are ongoing. Heavy equipment will be in the area on June 20, 2022. Groundwater levels in Exshaw will continue to be monitored and posted to the website.
Next update will be at 17:00 June 20, 2022.
June 16, 2022: The heavy rainfall has subsided and water levels in the rivers and creeks are stable. Mitigation measures to address erosion in Heart Creek are complete. Groundwater levels in Exshaw will continue to be monitored and posted to the website.
Next update will be at 10:00am June 17, 2022.
June 15, 2022: A High Streamflow Advisory remains in effect for the Bow River at Exshaw, tributaries to the Bow River upstream of Calgary, and Jumpingpound Creek. This may result in the following river impacts:
- Water level rises of between 1 and 1.5 meters are possible
- Bow River Exshaw - Basement seepage
A Flood Warning is in effect for the Little Red Deer River. Possible impacts at Hwy 587; Red Lodge Provincial Park and Westward Ho Campground will be impacted. The Little Red River is expected to peak at the mouth this evening into tomorrow morning.
Next update will be 10:00am June 16, 2022.
June 14, 2022: State of Local Emergency declared in the Hamlet of Lac Des Arc due to Flooding. At this time there is no imminent threat to any private dwellings. The MD of Bighorn is taking this step to address erosion concerns on Heart Creek which may require the utilization of heavy equipment. Please stay away from all creeks and rivers.
Public Announcement State of Local Emergency Lac des Arcs
June 13, 2022: The updated forecast is calling for between 75 – 125 mm of rain in the MD of Bighorn. Locally higher rainfalls of 150 mm or more are possible. Below seasonal temperatures are expected for the next couple of days. Several of our creeks are expected to have significant flows starting later today.
A flood warning has been issued for the Bow River at Banff, Canmore, and Exshaw. A flood watch is in effect for tributaries to the Bow River upstream of Calgary and a high streamflow advisory is in effect for Jumpingpound Creek. Bow River - we are expecting the river level to continue rising, with current modelling showing the flow will remain in the protected channel. We are in communication with the Alberta River forecast centre for regular updates. We will continue to monitor the flows and respond as necessary.
A flood warning has been issued for the Red Deer River upstream of Burnt Timber Creek, the Red Deer River mainstream from Burnt Timber Creek to Gleniffer Reservoir, and the Little Red Deer River. A flood watch is in place for Fallen Timber Creek.
What You Need to Know:
We are taking the following actions:
- MD Bighorn staff are monitoring creeks, culverts, and ground-water levels in East Exshaw.
- All Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) staff have been briefed and are prepared to mobilize as required.
- Electronic signage has been activated in Harvie Heights and Exshaw.
What You Can Do:
- Residents with basements and crawl spaces should consider raising items
- Ensure eavestroughs and drains are free of debris so that water drains away from your home
- Stay away from creek and riverbanks when flows are high