Alberta Environment’s River Forecast Centre Presentation to the Alberta Broadcasters Public Alerting Recognition Symposium Red Deer, Alberta January 14, 2008 Scott Vatcher, P.Eng. Forecaster, Flow Forecasting. Red Deer River near Drumheller – June 2005. What River Forecasting Does.
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Scott Vatcher, P.Eng. Forecaster, Flow Forecasting
Red Deer River near Drumheller – June 2005
~ 218 Federal and Provincial
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Provide information to support in real-time:
Oldman River Dam
Photos by Wally Chinn
High River – June 2005
North Saskatchewan River at Edmonton – July 1986
Oldman River at Lethbridge – June 2005
Water Survey of Canada/AENV
Data Management and Systems
Emergency Management Alberta
AENV Water Operations
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Municipalities and other responders (RCMP)
Other Government and non-govt Agencies
If a storm is forecast to cause major changes in streamflow, we can issue up to 3 levels of alerts:
High Streamflow Advisory
A High Streamflow Advisory means that stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly and no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Anyone situated close to the streams affected (campers, fishermen, boaters, and the general public) is advised to be cautious of the rising levels.
A Flood Watch means that stream levels are rising and will approach and may exceed bank full. Flooding of areas adjacent to these streams may occur. Anyone situated close to these streams is advised to take appropriate precautionary measures.
Paddle River - 2001
Paddle River - 2001
A Flood Warningmeans that rising river levels will result in flooding of areas adjacent to the streams affected. Anyone situated close to the river should take appropriate measures to avoid flood damage.
Red Deer River at Drumheller – June 2005
A Spring Runoff Advisory means that stream levels are rising or expected to rise due to snowmelt and no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Anyone situated close to the streams affected (property owners and the general public) is advised to be cautious of the rising levels.
Medicine River - 1999
Impact: Gave Forecasters an opportunity to put out more information – restricted to one page on fax
Flood Related Information
North Saskatchewan River at Edmonton – June 2005
Sundre – June 2005
Bearberry Creek at Sundre – June 2005
Red Deer River upstream of Red Deer – June 2005
Wednesday, June 15
1:30 pm Call to Dickson Dam to inform of potential rain event over the weekend
3:30 pm Dickson Dam begins to pre-release from reservoir
Thursday, June 16
9:10 am High Streamflow Advisory issued for downstream of Dickson Dam, including Red Deer and Drumheller
9:40 am Calls to Red Deer, Drumheller and other local municipalities about possibility of large flows over the weekend
1:00 pm Emergency Management Alberta notified of potential heavy rain event for the Oldman, Bow and Red Deer River basins