Due to the recent precipitation of approximately 80 -100 mm and an additional 40 - 60 mm expected before the weather system tapers off Tuesday, June 20; the River Forecast Centre has issued Flood Watches and High Streamflow Advisories across northern and central Alberta. 

Locally, the Little Paddle and Paddle Rivers are experiencing rising water levels. The Alberta River Forecasting Centre has issued a Streamflow Advisory for the Little Paddle River near Mayerthorpe and a Flood Watch for the Paddle River near Sangudo, at Hwy 764, and at Barrhead. The dyke capacity along the Paddle River near Sangudo will likely be met and exceeded as of Tuesday, June 20.

PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELLING IN AFFECTED AREAS OF THE COUNTY. MOST IMPORTANTLY: MOTORISTS MUST NOT DRIVE ACROSS WATER-COVERED ROADWAYS AS THERE IS EXTREME DANGER IN THIS ACTIVITY. 

With enough water, a vehicle will begin to float above the roadway and out of the control of the operator; thereby placing the occupants in extreme danger. Please do not place yourself in unnecessary danger by attempting an unsafe crossing of a flooded roadway. Instead, take a detour route around the affected area.

Please report any water over roadways to the County as soon as possible via 1.866.880.5722 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Photos with dates and times, pinpointed locations and any other relevant details will greatly assist the County in mapping and prioritizing areas that require mitigation.

Important Notes about Overland Flooding

• Our foremost concern is public safety. Residents along known flood plains must take precautions where flooding is occurring. Stay away from river and stream banks. Stay away from all fast-moving water. Fast-moving water is dangerous, and people, pets, livestock and wildlife can be swept away without warning. Use extreme caution, at all times.
• Area roadways are likely to be impacted, and locations may change as water is mitigated, necessary repairs are made, and new developments occur. 
• Agricultural producers are encouraged to actively move livestock and equipment as soon as possible in the areas where annual flooding is known to occur and from low lying areas where there is potential for flooding.
• All residents should actively monitor road conditions, water levels and low-lying areas, both on their properties and throughout the County for the safety of themselves, other residents, livestock and property.
• Barricades, signage and detours may be in place on affected roads. These are put in place for public safety, and we ask that they not be removed or altered in any way.
• We strongly urge motorists to drive to the road and weather conditions while they navigate in impacted areas as we work through this event.
• Any substantive updates on this matter will be communicated to residents via the County website and social media channels.

Advisories, Forecaster’s comments, river flows and levels can be found on the Environment and Protected Areas River Basins webpage at https://rivers.alberta.ca or the AB Rivers mobile app.