okotoks.news

Tag: Public Safety

  • Sheep and Highwood rivers remain under high streamflow advisory Tuesday

    With rivers running high, it is a good day to keep travel plans from going downstream.

    The Sheep River and Highwood River remained under a high streamflow advisory Tuesday morning as heavy rain continued in the region.

    Preliminary data from Rivers Alberta showed elevated flows at local monitoring stations:

    • At 6:30 a.m., the Sheep River at Okotoks was flowing at 120.69 cubic metres per second, with a water level of 27.5 metres.
    • At 6:05 a.m., the Highwood River at High River was flowing at 158 cubic metres per second, with a water level of 2.77 metres.

    Alberta River Basins says its online data is provisional and preliminary. The information is automatically generated by remote equipment, may not have been reviewed for accuracy, and can change after review or correction.

    Environment Canada reported that 40 to 120 millimetres of rain had fallen across the region since Saturday evening, with some parts of southwestern Alberta receiving up to 135 millimetres. Another five to 10 millimetres of rain was expected Tuesday.

    Water could pool on roads and in low-lying areas, and utility outages were possible. Drivers were advised to avoid flooded roads and watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

  • High streamflow advisory continues for Sheep and Highwood rivers

    River updates like this help residents go with the flow.

    A High Streamflow Advisory remains in place for the Sheep River and Highwood River as officials continue monitoring water levels after significant rainfall.

    At 4:05 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, the Highwood River below the Little Bow Canal was flowing at 170 cubic metres per second, with a depth of 2.949 metres. For context, the highest historic flow rate recorded in 2013 was 1,820 cubic metres per second.

    In its 4 p.m. monitoring update, the Town of High River said residents may see faster water, elevated river levels, more debris and localized pooling in low-lying areas. The town said pooling is expected after heavy rain and should ease as stormwater systems handle the excess water.

    The Beachwood area remains closed because trails are covered by water and ground conditions are soft. The next High River update is expected Wednesday, June 3, at 10 a.m.

    In Okotoks, the Sheep River was flowing at 168.03 cubic metres per second as of 3:30 p.m. The Town of Okotoks said the river had risen 1.17 metres since Sunday, May 31, with the latest projections indicating levels should begin to taper.

    Okotoks remains in Stage 1 of its Emergency Management Plan and is continuing to monitor the Sheep River, with the option to move to Stage 2 if needed. The town is asking people to avoid the river and nearby areas while water is high and moving quickly, noting that conditions can shift quickly, banks may be unstable and debris may be carried downstream.

    Andrew Livingstone, communications director with Environment and Protected Areas, said the Sheep River at Okotoks was expected to peak Tuesday evening about 0.4 metres below the level that would affect Riverbend Campground. He said river flooding was not expected.

    Livingstone said Sheep River levels are slightly higher than in some recent years, but similar levels were seen in 2020, 2022 and 2025. He described the expected peaks as within the normal range for peak summer flows at Okotoks.

  • Tributes shared for Okotoks teen Jasper DeBoer after fatal collision

    The community is stepping up to the plate for the DeBoer family.

    Okotoks residents and local organizations are sharing condolences following the death of 19-year-old Jasper DeBoer in a motorcycle collision on May 26.

    A GoFundMe organized by Carlin Lutzer to help the DeBoer family raised more than $14,000 within two days.

    The Foothills Minor Baseball Association shared condolences and noted the family’s long-standing involvement in Okotoks minor baseball. The association also remembered DeBoer as a member of the Okotoks Outlaws.

    Yooneek Books also posted a message of support for the family and shared the fundraiser.

    A celebration of life is scheduled for June 10 at 1 p.m. at the Viking Rentals Centre Events Hall. The family has asked that, instead of sending flowers, people consider donating in DeBoer’s memory to a charity of their choice or an organization supporting youth sports or outdoor activities.

    DeBoer is survived by his parents, Scott and Jen, and his brothers, Kruz, Rocky and Sonny.

  • Sheep and Highwood rivers remain under advisory as rainfall continues

    Local officials are keeping a current watch on river conditions.

    The Sheep River and Highwood River remained under a high streamflow advisory Monday afternoon as communities monitored conditions during significant rainfall.

    Preliminary data from Alberta River Basins reported:

    • The Sheep River at Okotoks was flowing at 38.04 cubic metres per second at 2:30 p.m., with a water level of 26.77 metres.
    • The Highwood River at High River was flowing at 85.9 cubic metres per second at 1:05 p.m., with a water level of 2.14 metres.

    River basin readings are automatically collected by remote equipment and have not been reviewed for accuracy. The figures may change after corrections.

    Diamond Valley reported at 2 p.m. that repairs to the Black Diamond river monitoring station were expected by the end of the day. Diamond Valley Emergency Management said crews were using field observations and other data sources while the station remained offline.

    The agency had not identified river flooding concerns. It said continued rain could still cause water pooling, overloaded drainage systems and minor overland flooding in low-lying areas.

    A yellow-level wind warning was also expected to remain in effect Monday evening, with gusts of up to 90 km/h. Saturated ground could increase the risk of falling trees, utility outages and property damage.

    Conditions were forecast to ease within 24 hours. Diamond Valley Emergency Management said further updates would be issued if needed.

  • Okotoks begins Stage 1 emergency preparations as Sheep River levels may rise

    Residents are being asked to stay current on Sheep River conditions.

    The Town of Okotoks activated Stage 1 of its Emergency Management Plan on Sunday, May 31, while a high streamflow advisory remains in effect for the Sheep River.

    The town said heavy rain, strong winds and colder temperatures are forecast across southern Alberta. Rainfall is expected to continue into Wednesday morning, with total amounts of 50 to 100 millimetres. Sheep River flows could reach 65 to 150 cubic metres per second.

    A high streamflow advisory means water levels are rising or could rise quickly. Major flooding is not expected, although minor flooding is possible in low-lying areas.

    Officials said there is no immediate threat to public safety. Town staff are monitoring conditions and working with regional and provincial partners.

    Residents are advised to:

    • Stay away from riverbanks and fast-moving water.
    • Clear eavestroughs and downspouts.
    • Direct drainage away from foundations.
    • Watch for pooling water, particularly in low-lying areas where storm drains may be overwhelmed.

    Free sandbags are available at the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot, 1118 North Railway St. Updates will be posted on the town’s social media channels and at okotoks.ca.

  • High streamflow advisory in effect

    Residents should keep current with updates as the Sheep River current rises.

    The Town of Okotoks activated stage one of its Emergency Management Plan on Sunday, May 31, in response to a high streamflow advisory for the Sheep River.

    Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for central and southern Alberta due to strong winds, heavy rain and colder temperatures. Rain is expected to continue until Wednesday morning, with totals of 50 to 100 mm and a possible river flow rate of 65 to 150 m³/s.

    A high streamflow advisory means stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly. Major flooding is not expected, but minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible. The Town said there is no immediate threat to public safety.

    The emergency management team is monitoring conditions, coordinating with regional and provincial partners, and preparing in case conditions change. Heavy rain may also overwhelm storm drains and cause overland flooding.

    Residents are advised to:

    • Clear eavestroughs and downspouts.
    • Direct water away from foundations.
    • Watch for pooling water in low-lying areas.
    • Stay away from riverbanks and fast-moving water, as banks may become unstable and conditions can change quickly.

    Free sandbags are available at the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot, 1118 N. Railway St. Residents are asked to leave some for their neighbours.

    Updates will be posted on the Town’s social media channels and at okotoks.ca.

  • Calgary police investigating series of sexual assaults in Fish Creek Park, three reports believed to be linked

    Police are asking anyone with information to help put the brakes on this BMX-riding suspect.

    Calgary police are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect believed to be connected to three sexual assaults in Fish Creek Park.

    The Calgary Police Service Sexual Assault Investigative Unit is investigating an assault reported May 23 at approximately 2:30 p.m. A woman was jogging near the Sue Higgins Bridge and Mallard Point when an unknown male approached her from behind while riding a black BMX bike and sexually assaulted her.

    Investigators believe the assault is linked to two similar incidents in Fish Creek Park in April.

    The suspect is described as being in his late teens to early 20s, approximately six feet tall, with a light skin tone and short, shaggy blonde hair. He was seen wearing a black hoodie with a colourful graphic and blue jeans.

    Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).