Flood
Alberta is no stranger to severe weather. Albertans are well acquainted with flood, drought, fire, hail, and snow. This section explores causes, impacts, and mitigation methods for severe weather events.
What Is Flooding?
An extremely simple definition of flooding is “too much water in a new place” but a more technical description is when water has overflown into an area that is normally dry. In Alberta there exists a potential for flooding along all rivers and streams and there is also potential for flooding from rising groundwater levels or an abundance of stormwater.
Learn more about flooding.
Flood Mitigation
Flood mitigation has long been an integral part of Alberta’s river management practices. Infrastructure and policy have interrelated to provide the province with measures to respond to and rebuild from flooding events. The June 2013 flooding in southern Alberta, however, set a new precedent in our province and initiated discussions of new mitigation methods capable of responding to intensified flooding and weather events.
Learn more about flood mitigation.
Understanding Flood Insurance Options
In the fictional Town of Creekshore, the Flash River is a major waterway that flows through the Town and provides citizens with drinking water and utilities. Creekshore is located near the headwaters of the Flash River so the Town can be subject to both flood and drought conditions. In times of significant rainfall, such as spring, the Flash River often rises causing localized flooding. Around the world, the problem Mr. Watersedge experienced is not unique, including in Alberta. But how does his experience getting coverage for his flooded property change depending on where he lives?
Learn more about flood insurance.
Flood 2013
The June 2013 flood in Southern Alberta will be remembered by all Albertans as the most damaging flood in our province’s history. The combination of melted snowpack and days of torrential rain resulted in extremely high and bloated rivers in the Southern region of Alberta. Approximately one-hundred thousand people were evacuated, four people killed, and numerous homes and businesses negatively impacted by the flood waters. Emerging from this natural disaster, however, was a greater sense of community and ambition to better prepare for and mitigate the effects of future floods and severe weather events.
Learn more about the 2013 flood.