WESTLOCK COUNTY – A combination of warm weather leading up to April 5 and heavy rainfall beginning April 6 triggered widespread flooding across Westlock County, leaving behind swamped fields, flooded driveways, washed-out road sections, and softened gravel roads.
The flooding, while dramatic, was largely temporary. By April 10, water had receded or dried up in most areas.
“Our guys are on top of most of the overland flooding areas that have anything to do with our road structures,” said Tony Kulbisky, chief administrative officer for Westlock County. “It is pretty normal stuff every year depending on what happens with the melt and any major rain events.”
One of the most notable changes occurred along the Pembina River, which swelled rapidly in response to the runoff. According to data from the Alberta River Basin Map, the water level at the Jarvie data collection site sat at 1.4 metres (four feet, seven inches) on April 3.
By the morning of April 9, the river had peaked at just over three metres (nine feet, 11 inches), more than doubling in depth over the course of seven days. The river then began to recede, dropping to 2.5 metres (eight feet, two inches) by 5 p.m. the same day, and settling at 2.197 metres (seven feet, two inches) on April 10.
The flood surge also led to river ice breaking up and floating downstream, with debris and ice chunks reported in various areas. Small creeks also overflowed, contributing to localized flooding and potential property damage.
Residents are advised to report any flood-related road damage directly to Westlock County.
For more information on river levels, visit the Alberta River Basin website: https://rivers.alberta.ca/
