No major flooding expected as Dickson Dam releases excess water

No major flooding is expected as water levels start to fall in the Red Deer River downstream of Dickson Dam, Alberta Environment reported on Tuesday after maintaining their high streamflow advisory for the river.

    Heavy rainfall last week has caused water levels in the river to rise, and Alberta Environment was releasing water from the dam on Monday. Water was reported to be flowing as fast as 500 cubic metres/minute and water levels in the river were said to be as high as 12 feet on Monday.
    Water levels upstream of the dam are falling, and the high streamflow advisory has ended.
    Between Wednesday afternoon and Saturday afternoon, 70-120 millimetres of precipitation fell in an area along the eastern slopes west of Calgary and Lethbridge. Precipitation has ended and no significant precipitation is forecast, Alberta Environment said.
    A high streamflow advisory means stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly and no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low lying areas is possible. Alberta Environment says anyone situated close to the streams affected is advised to be cautious of the rising levels.