The river may be running high, but Okotoks is trying to keep residents current.

The Town of Okotoks says the Sheep River is continuing to drop, though a high streamflow advisory remains in effect for the Sheep River basin.

As of 9 a.m. on June 4, the river had fallen another 0.35 metres and was flowing at 76.89 cubic metres per second. The town said levels were continuing to taper.

Okotoks remains in Stage 1, or High Stream Advisory, under its Emergency Management Plan. The town’s emergency management team is continuing to monitor river conditions.

The Sheep River peaked on June 2 at 188.65 cubic metres per second before beginning to decline. Earlier in the week, heavy rain and a special weather statement from Environment Canada had prompted the town to activate Stage 1.

Residents are being asked to stay away from the river and nearby areas while water remains high and fast-moving. The town says riverbanks may be unstable, and debris can be carried downstream.

Residents were also reminded to reduce flood risk around their properties by clearing eavestroughs and downspouts, directing water away from foundations, checking sump pumps and backflow valves, and watching for pooling water in low-lying areas.

Free sandbags are available at the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot at 1118 N Railway St. The town also directs residents to its flood planning page.